Saturn Saturn is the ruling planet of Capricorn and of the tenth house . Saturn is known as the task maker and challenges you in your life, to uphold written laws, to move forward in your quest for achievement and provides you with the stamina and perseverance to stay on course. Saturn is known as the task maker because of its relentless pursuit in objectifying and setting standards in order for you to achieve your goals in life. Saturn makes you work for your rewards and only through a steady approach and applied pressure does Saturn’s rewards pay off. Saturn moves around the zodiac every 28 to 30 years and these period’s, ages 29, 58 and 87 are turning points in our lives. The first Saturn return, which occurs around the age 29, is extremely relevant to our lives and (depending which house Saturn is located in your birth chart) during this time many of us experience period significant to our relationship. Some will go through transformations within the home front ( fourth house ), some will experience relationship changes ( seventh house ) while others go through a transformation in their working environment and occupation ( tenth house ). The changed experiences will be reflected by the house. The placement of Saturn in your birth chart represents an area of life that will require your attention and usually unless Saturn is accentuated with mostly positive aspects, will produce stumbling blocks and stress in overcoming obstacles in life. As stated, Saturn is the task maker, but it is also the disciplinarian, the teacher and the one that provides you with rewards for all your hard work, or provides you with challenges and obstacles to overcome when you try to ignore its influence in your life. Astrology 101 Saturn is planet of Karma and restrictions and delays. It is the teacher and the task maker. Saturn rules Capricorn. It is associates with the Tenth House. Some Astrologers say it co-rules Aquarius but again this is questionable. The Sun The Moon Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Uranus Neptune Pluto

Venus' Return VENUS' RETURN A Venus return chart that closely matches the natal chart by sign and degree signifies an important year. Venus’ cycle is approximately one year, a little over or under by roughly one month depending on the year. The house position and aspects and especially contacts with the angles define what type of return can be anticipated. When deciphering a Venus return remember to take into consideration that this is a chart which has to do with Venetian matters. These matters will have an influence on love and affection and often speaks of a love interest. Sometimes it speaks of the daughter or a young important female and in some cases on a wider scale is representative of women in general. Venus also has to do with social activities such as marriage and social events such as parties and engagements of importance. Venus also has to do with popularity and material objects such as gifts and acquisitions often referred to as elegant or pleasing to the eye. The house Venus is located in within the Venus return will be an area of interest and much can be said with regards to what this period will be about by its house position. The Ascendant and the placement of its ruler also help uncover the potential that lies within this Venus return chart. The aspects which Venus receives from other planets in this chart define how positive or challenging this period might be. However, it should be noted that Venus in many cases helps to alleviate some conditions especially when linked favourably to the Sun, Jupiter and the Ascendant. Challenging aspects to Venus in the return can affect love connections and also finances but favourable aspects will also affect these areas in a complimentary and positive manner. Remember all challenges found in any chart are put in place to be resolved and they are the ones that hold the greatest lessons which propel us forward in life. All returns are indicative of the beginning of a new cycle and are defined by what the return planet ( Venus in this case) is about. Astrology 101 Planetary Returns Mercury 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

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

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 with the exception of Saturn. RETROGRADE MOTION All of the planets move around our Sun in the same direction and have their own cycle time depending on their distance from the Sun. Retrograde motion is in fact an illusion as it appears as though the planets slow down and then move backwards. What actually takes place is that the planet in question makes its closest approach to the earth and gives the viewer the false visual that it is moving backwards. The planets all go into retrograde and then direct throughout their full cycles around the Sun. The outer planets are in retrograde about 40 percent of the time (and their energetic affects are generational). The inner planets go in retrograde for shorter periods of time. The inner planets (Mercury, Venus and Mars) are said to be personal planets and when in retrograde are the most challenging and often require inner reflection, alignment and adjustment. They will force us into action, and this action required is often the best approach once the planet in question has turn direct once again. It should be noted that if you have a retrograde planet in the birth chart and when it receives an aspect from the same planet transiting in retrograde, the energies will be more intense than for someone who does not have that particular planet in retrograde in their natal chart. It should also be said that it needs to make a direct aspect within five degrees to have a meaningful impact in our lives. The more planets it touches by aspect the stronger the influence. Jupiter and Saturn are in retrograde approximately one third of the time and are considered less personal and less of a challenge. It should also be noted that when a planet is in retrograde, the normal flow of energy is disrupted and often held back or stifled. Saturn is the exception. Saturn’s energies are actually less restrictive and delayed in retrograde motion. It is considered more favourable in retrograde than when it is in direct motion. When planets are in retrograde it is a time when we need to reflect and to put our focus on decision making. It is a time for making plans and to change our objectives or our perspective on what this retrograde cycle would be implying. It is important to take into consideration the planet in question and its position in our chart as well as any aspects it will be making. If it crosses a planet for example by conjunction when it turns direct once again it will move across that same position and the energies in place will once again be intensified. There is also a period called stationary retrograde and stationary direct when, for a few days up to several days, the planet appears to be stationary or not moving at all. It slows down and then stays at the same degree for a short period (the length of time will depend on the planet as some planets will stay in their stationary position longer than others). When it is in this stationary position, the energies are at their strongest and will be intensely felt especially if the transiting planet in question touches a natal planet at the same time. While in retrograde, you should resist taking action. Know that once the planet goes direct, it is time to take physical action. Pay attention to what these energies are pointing towards (planet, sign and house position) and make plans so that you can set them in motion when this retrograde period is over (except as mentioned with Saturn as its energies are less obtrusive in retrograde motion). Astrology 101 No Retrograde Planets In Retrograde Mercury Retrograde Venus Retrograde Mars Retrograde Jupiter Retrograde Saturn Retrograde Uranus Retrograde Neptune Retrograde Pluto Retrograde

The Moon The Moon The Moon is the ruling planet of the sign Cancer and is also affiliated with the fourth house. The Moon represents the mothering instinct and is linked to the feminine energies within each of us. The Moon deals with primal emotional needs. It is where we nurture ourselves and take care of ourselves on an emotional level. It is where we feel safe within, where we emotionally react to life problems and also find the answers. It provides us with a safe haven, a comfortable and secure emotional foundation that feels like home. It is where we can go and reside in a gentle manner away from the intrusive forces of life and secure a place for ourselves when in times of strife. We could call this the emotional home or safe haven. Feelings of security are linked to the Moon and along with the second house can provide the deepest emotional support that all of us so fundamentally require. The Moon sign and house position depict our emotional reaction to outside stimuli in our lives. For example someone with the Moon in Taurus or in the second house , will find emotional security through building a foundation often based on material gatherings and monetary comfort. Someone who has the Moon in Pisces will secure this emotional structure through an interaction with the higher sources and will find peace through communication with spirit and an inclination to psychic linking and intuitive perception. The Moon also rules the basic habits we form in the formative years. It has to do with our upbringing and often relates directly to the most nurturing parent and how they provided us with early support in childhood. The moon is linked to the past and memories from the past and also how the past has affected us in our world today. Many are tied to how their life was comforted through mothering and taking care of their emotional requirements. While the Sun has to do with our ego and will and conscious selves, the Moon has to do with instinctual response on an emotional level, letting go of the ego and its intervention, and the unconscious mind. The Moon is responsive, reactive and instinctual. It often deals with our inner selves and our emotional being and our sense of self-worth. The Moon is our deepest emotional self and describes our needs, our emotional wants and how we emotionally react to the world around us. The Moon is our mothering side, our nurturing side and our response to the environment. This mothering and nurturing response to the world deals with how we tend to not only ourselves and our emotional needs but also how we tend to the needs of those that are important to us. In its positive responsive state, it fosters emotional interaction, sensitivity and the need to assist others on an emotional level, providing us in turn with self-assuredness also on an emotional level. The Moon is our nurturing requirements being met and then our natural response the world around us in times of need. It fosters emotional kindness, emotional sympathy, emotional compassion and love. In its more negative expression, the Moon has to do with feeling of unworthiness, self-insufficiency, emotion worry, excessive emotional responsiveness and a general feeling of anxiety about the world around us. The Moon by sign and house placement and aspect delineation will define the emotional life's reactions, the emotional state of being and the emotional instinctive reactions to life itself. We should also check to see the Moon’s element (Air, Earth, Water and Fire) and modality (Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable). Astrology 101 The Moon is depicts our emotions. It is the ruler of Cancer and is affiliated with the Fourth House. The Sun Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune Pluto

There are two nodes of the Moon, the North & the South Node. 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). Moon's Nodes 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). The South Node has connections with our past, and we bring with us qualities that we can use in this life to help us connect with our current life’s mission. The South Node is an area or energy that we are comfortable with, as these energies are instinctively familiar. The North Node, however, is completely new and rather unknown to us. Most of us are a little uncomfortable with the energies of our North Node (NN). However, life tends to keep pushing us towards our NN objectives. We are linked to the NN as this is what we need to learn and to develop and use as our journey continues. It takes some courage in surrendering to our NN energies and direction in life. New areas are opened and revealed to us over time, and they are necessary traits to be acquired in order to facilitate the growth required by the soul. The North and South Node often provide us with information so we can decipher why we have come into this life and what our purpose truly is. It is said that what happens in this life is tied to what we have experienced previously. The North Node is known as the dragon’s head while the South Node is known as the dragon’s tail. These nodes although coming from different perspectives will aid in our quest and foster growth through life’s experience that will eventually lead us to where we are meant to go. The North Node and South Node are defined by sign and house position. For example since they are always 180 degrees apart, if you have a NN in Pisces in the third house, you will have a SN in Virgo in the ninth house. The house position is similar to having the ruling sign position. As a result, if, for example, you have the NN in the first house, it is like having the NN in the first sign of Aries. The SN would be in the seventh house which would be like having the SN in Libra. Between the energies of the Nodal sign position and the Nodal house position, you will get a good idea of what life’s mission might be. Many in early life are led by the SN node tendencies as this is a comfortable place. As we mature into ourselves, we begin to develop our NN abilities and move into our destined path. Back to Top Planets & Aspects Linked to the Nodes The planets and the aspects that link up to these two nodes should be treated in the same manner as any other planets’ energies in the Astrology chart. The aspects are also treated as any other aspects in the chart. The planetary energies tie in with the Nodes and emphasize what these energies imply. For example, Mars tied to the South Node may indicate that in a previous life you were a fighter or someone with a vile temper or a leader who lead others through force. The North Node tied to Mars may suggest that in this life you are to pursue your objectives with vigor and use your inherent strength to accomplish what you set out to do. Mars would give you the impulse to address what the sign and house position of the North Node suggests. When a transiting planet conjuncts the North Node, and if for example it were Uranus, this may be a time when you should follow the desire to break free from any type of restriction that has held you back and has stopped you from achieving what the North Node is suggesting. This may happen on the spur of the moment and without warning. It may push you in a direction that requires immediate decision making and the desire for something new and enterprising especially if the North Node is in the sign of Aries for example. If Uranus were transiting your South Node, this would suggest that it is not the time to do these things and that you should weigh things out before making any commitment to change and follow a new life direction. It warns of sudden decision that might hamper you later in life. Rash decision making would not be recommended. You should take time to ponder your actions before making any moves regardless of the desire to move ahead in a new direction. You could check out the house that your North Node or South Node are in to give you further information about what area of life is involved. You could also check out which house your natal Uranus is in to add to the underlying information being provided to you through your chart. In most cases, if you take the time suggested with the South Node (and remember the South Node has similarities to Saturn’s actions) you can make informed decisions rather than jumping, which is what Uranus would want from you. The North Node and Uranus however, would suggest that you take that giant step and move in that intended direction in your life, as the North Node is similar in its action to Jupiter and usually provides good fortune and positive outcomes. You always need to look at the overall picture of what is happening in your chart before making any life changing decisions. Back to Top Transiting Moon's Nodes The transiting Nodes take 19 years to move through all of the signs of the zodiac in an Astrology chart. It takes approximately 1 ½ years to move through one single sign. As houses depict areas of life, the nodes moving through a house will define areas of life where we are gaining knowledge. We get a deeper understanding of the areas of life governed by the house position of the nodes. Remember that there are two nodes, a North and South node, and they are always in opposition (opposite) to one another. Both houses will be affected by our nodes’ placement. The Nodes are attached to our soul’s mission and we have come to experience life more fully in each area of life that the nodes are influencing in the birth chart. In general, we are here to serve on one level or another and although the Nodes definitely teach us valuable lessons in life, once learned and understood, we can offer up information and assistance to those that are interested in the information we have to offer which will assist them in whatever way needed. The nodes are tied to our destiny so when we are experiencing our nodes in action, stimulated through house contact and planetary links, we have obligations to fulfill. Remember we came into this life to fulfill our life’s goals which are closely linked to the nodal positions at birth. We have to give a little of ourselves in order to complete our soul’s requirements, as we have much to offer. Our higher connection to self (from a spiritual perspective) and the earthly measures we take assist us in getting one step closer to our higher purpose. We have come to serve a purpose and to learn lessons through experience and to add to the greater whole. We are at the controls of our experiences but often when the nodes are under hard aspect, or activated through transit, we may feel as though we are at the mercy of life’s events and life seems to have control over us. This is when we have to use our inner guidance, our spirit guides, our astrology charts or those wise individuals that walk this journey with us to work through life’s events. Many times the overall plan behind our experiences may escape us consciously, and we have to find the faith in the process that is required and recognize that there is something much bigger at work than what is obvious to us in human form. The North Node always pointing us towards our objectives. When the North Node is transiting a point in our chart, it asks us to go deep into our lesson. It asks us to think about what we might want to do or where we might want to address change or gain through experience. The North node operates in the same fashion as Jupiter, so it offers us opportunities and provides us with good luck and generally makes us happy and more content in our life’s progress when we follow its energies. The South Node acts in similar ways to the planet Saturn. The South Node wants us to pay attention to what can be learned through the potential rough spots that we may encounter along the way. It offers lessons and responsibilities and makes us aware of our liabilities. The South Node makes us work on these areas of life which are in focus and the energies of the planets that are being activated through this contact. Although we may have to sacrifice or let go of something, it also offers up chances for spiritual growth through these experiences and lessons that need to be well learned. This knowledge will be used as our lives progress. Stay open to advice being offered from both nodes and use the energies of the North Node to facilitate growth in your life’s quest. Use the energies and lessons of the South Node with caution and care but recognize the importance of what is being said for your greater good. All aspects (regardless of which aspect it is) has something important to give. Leaving the door open to this understanding will allow the positive energies of all aspects to generate opportunities in our lives. Back to Top

The energies related to a retrograde planet are stifled & turned inward. This is a time for review & prepare for when the energies are released so that you can move forward in the new direction. The best time to move forward is when the Uranus goes direct. Uranus suggests that this is a time for inner reflection not only about your life but on a more personal level – the level of “who you are”. It often provides you with more freedom of expression and you just want to be you, or the new you. Uranus Retrograde Uranus’ energies are very revolutionary. They seek freedom of expression and have a strong desire to remove us from anything that has gone stale or no longer serves a viable purpose. Uranus’ energies act in unexpected manners, and you can never be totally sure how they will respond under pressure. Under most conditions, the area of life being affect by Uranus will be the house it is transiting through especially when in retrograde motion. There is often a feeling that something has to change or be shaken up somewhat before its expression is activated. Quite often, you get warnings of necessary changes in the area of life under its influence when in retrograde and then when it turns direct either you make the necessary changes or life makes things happen for you. If you choose to do nothing, life will often take a leading role and see that the changes take place. More often than not when changes are forced upon us, they may not be overly pleasant in their expression. Things can happen at the spur of the moment, suddenly, unexpectedly, without warning. Uranus motto could be “Expect the unexpected”. When a planet is in retrograde, the energies related to the planet and the house(s) it is transiting are stifled or held back. The energy is turned inward and a time for review is at hand. It is a time to re-think things, to re-do things and in an attempt to repair things, you can prepare for when the energies are released so that you can move forward in the new direction of choice. The best time to move forward in your objectives is when the planet goes direct. Uranus suggests that this is a time for inner reflection not only about your life but on a more personal level – the level of “who you are”. It often provides you with more freedom of expression and you just want to be you, or the new you. This is particularly so if Uranus is retrograde in your birth chart. (Any planet that is retrograde in the birth chart becomes more powerful when it turns retrograde through transit.) Uranus is known as the awakener and this is what it will try to achieve in the area of life dictated by the house it is transiting through in your chart. You should also have a look at the natal placement of Uranus by house and also by aspect as this will give you clues into how things might unfold. As with all of the outer planets, Uranus will make suggestions along the way but it will often create a course with little or no direction or input from you. Life happens and things change. Uranus will be the instigator behind these actions, but remember regardless of how drastic and challenging the conditions may be, Uranus always provides you with exactly what you need. The end result is or will be beneficial. When Uranus goes direct, this will often be the time when these areas of life that are involved will be motivated to move towards the new and to make necessary changes. Again these can be in disruptive ways but just for the moment. Do not spend any time worrying about how things might manifest, as Uranus acts on impulse and without warning and often releases in ways that you cannot be prepared for. Remind yourself, as these changes are taken place, that these are happening for a better future. Some people fear changes. Those who are more evolved, or open to the new, know that when the timing is ripe and change is necessary, it should be welcomed with open arms. Uranus will take you where you need to go, so be open and listen. You will know which avenue to take, if life does not dictate, that is. You have freedom of choice on your response however. Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn Neptune Pluto Astrology 101 Retrograde

The Tenth House The Tenth House There are four houses known as the Cardinal Points and these are the first , fourth , seventh and tenth houses. These four energy channels (Angles) are considered action points in the horoscope. The first house cusp or the Ascendant and the tenth house cusp or the Midheaven also known as the MC are the two most active areas in a natal chart. We will go into more detail on a page which will be titled "Angles" in the near future. When Transiting Planets cross these areas of life, as all houses define areas of life, events often take place. Now much depends on the planet crossing this area and the energy it represents. Every house cusp defines a particular area of life and these areas of life are enhanced when Transiting Planets or Progressed Planets energy each house, crossing the cusp. The Tenth and First house cusps far outweigh the other ten areas of life represented by each house cusp, although one usually experiences a shift as the Outer Planets cross this threshold. The Tenth House cusp or the MC describe your occupation and the actual point and ruling sign often is suggestive of the type of work you should be doing in your life. This is not necessarily what you are doing with your life, but definitely what you should be doing with it. When doing an occupational profile this is the first place an Astrologer will look to define what we should be doing with our lives. It should however be pointed out that the Moon’s Nodes are also very indicative of what one should be doing with their life. The Tenth House deals directly with your worldly ambitions, your outer goals and often portrays the ego and some of its characteristics, although the Ascendant Sign is even more descriptive of this. When a planet in transit crosses this energy point quite often there are changes to our occupation and our status in life. As the fourth house cusp is always directly in opposition to the MC, when a planet crosses the tenth house cusp it is also in Opposition to the Fourth House Cusp. During these transformational periods, the home and family will also be affected by what is taking place within your occupation. The sign ruling the tenth house cusp, especially if it is a Cardinal Sign, can depict public recognition, especially if it is in a Cardinal Point which is between 29 degrees of the Mutable Sign before the Cardinal Sign or 0 to 1 degree of the Cardinal Sign. An example of this would be having a sign of 29 degrees Virgo on the MC or 0-1 degree Libra on the MC. Natal Planets in this house and aspects to these planets can provide an Astrologer with input into how the energy of this house will be relayed to the outside world and if we will have an easy time in work related ways and in our status in life. Frequently, a Gemini or Pisces MC suggests two completely different occupations during the course of our life. It is important, however, to understand the true concept of success as it does not always pertain to worldly success. In most cases we need Natal Aspects that closely mirror events in the Transiting Planetary Energies for something of significance to happen, but in many cases, even when there is no natal link to Transiting Planets crossing over the MC or the Ascendant, events may still happen. As suggested, these two areas (MC or Ascendant) are action areas of a chart and very significant when deciphering potential life issues when Transits or Progressions pass over these very important areas of life Astrology 101 The Tenth house is naturally ruled by Capricorn . This house deals with SOCIAL STATUS. 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 Eleventh House The Twelfth House

Aspects to Mercury We are continually working on our website and will be adding more Mercury aspects in the future. Mercury in the natal chart sits fairly dormant until it becomes activated by a Transit or Progression. Much of its energies deals with mental conceptualization and communication. The mind is ruled by the planet Mercury and our reasoning abilities and schooling often are influenced by the planet Mercury, its sign position, house location as well as the aspects from other planets it receives in the Natal chart. If Mercury is poorly aspected or better still challenged by natal positioning this often indicates someone who may have difficulty concentrating, difficulty with the written word, perhaps difficulty with speaking (i.e. stuttering), etc. This can indicate challenges with communication in general. This is likely corrected and dealt with accordingly as they age and learn to adapt to these difficulties. On the contrary, those with a well-aspected Natal Mercury may have no problem speaking and relating to others and may even have teaching capabilities. They may be well educated and may also be studious. Some may have literary abilities becoming writers, public speakers and so forth. The mind works well, and the IQ may be higher than the norm. They may be good at solving problems, able to communicate easily or easier than others and in some cases (Mercury in Scorpio for example) may be considered deep thinkers. SPECIFIC ASPECTS Mercury, a fast-moving inner planet, moving through the complete Zodiac in approximately one year. This one-year period includes its retrograde cycle as well. Unless Mercury is in its retrograde cycle, its influence is not overly strong and does not have lasting effects. During its retrograde cycle, it appears to move backward and can move over the same location three times. During its stay it can influence the Natal Chart. People often fear Mercury Retrograde, which in fact, only suggests that this is a time of holding back and reviewing before you move forward with goals when it returns to its direct motion. For more information of Mercury retrograde, we invite you to read the retrograde portion of our web page. To understand the influence of Transits affecting our Natal Mercury we invite you to read the outer transits of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto making aspects to natal Mercury. They will have a profound influence on Natal Mercury lasting up to 2-3 years depending on the Transiting planet in question. As a result of the limited influence of Transiting Mercury, we have not created Transiting Mercury articles. We have, however, duplicated the slower moving transiting planets to Natal Mercury below for your convenience. These articles can also be found under the Transiting planet’s heading in our Aspect section. See Mercury Retrograde Mercury Conjunctions Jupiter Conjunct Natal Mercury Saturn Conjunct Natal Mercury Neptune Conjunct Natal Mercury Pluto Square Natal Mercury Mercury Squares Jupiter Trine Natal Mercury Pluto Trine Natal Mercury Uranus Trine Natal Mercury Mercury Trines Mercury Oppositions Jupiter Opposition Natal Mercury Saturn Opposition Natal Mercury Neptune Opposition Natal Mercury Mercury Sextiles Jupiter Sextile Natal Mercury Uranus Sextile Natal Mercury Saturn Sextile Natal Mercury Neptune Sextile Natal Mercury Pluto Sextile Natal Mercury BACK TO ASPECTS

The Fourth House The Fourth House The fourth house naturally ruled by the Moon is the place where we root ourselves through emotional connections with our early upbringing. We gain or lose emotional strength from our early conditioning which is linked closely to our parents, particularly the most nurturing parent. If we had difficulty in our childhood, linked to our parent’s emotional support, this is where we will uncover some of the complications that might have hindered our emotional development. Our early childhood experiences often have great affects on our development into adulthood. Planets found in the fourth house often describe the types of difficulties or attributes we assimilate into our emotional being. If there are difficulties with our emotional response, there are usually indications found in this house as are inner feelings of strength and built in stamina to overcome life’s difficulties. We are conditioned by our early upbringing and build our own sense of comfort through these channels. These conditions often follow us into adulthood and the fourth house speaks of the later part of our lives and denotes end of life conditions. It has been noted that the fourth house indicators are regulated by planetary links to this house and the more planets particularly outer planets ( Saturn , Uranus , Neptune and Pluto ) found in this house, the more introverted and private we become. This is also the house that rules our family life and the home environment conditions through to adulthood. It also entails real estate and property that we own or the type of home we would like to live in and raise our children. The fourth house is also linked to family heritage and our roots. It’s natural ruler is Cancer and there are many attributes that are similar to this sign. Cancer is defined as a nurturing, caring sign, with concerns for family members and also the need to be nurtured. These qualities are very similar to those of the fourth house. The second house deals with security issues, often related to monetary gain and the acquisition of material goods, while the fourth house deals with emotional security at its foundation. The fourth house is linked to the most nurturing of your parent which in most cases pertains to the mother while the tenth house usually is connected to the father. Any planet found connected to or linked with these cusps often speaks of the parents. As planets transit the fourth house cusp or makes connections to planets located in this house, there are often dealings with the home and family. Astrology 101 This house is naturally ruled by Cancer . It deals with HOME and FAMILY. The First House The Second House The Third 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