Astrology Helps Newsletter

January 23, 2012 In this issue we look at the chart for the sinking of the Costa Concordia cruise ship, check out the signs for the week, and answer a relationship question. Also, I want to thank all of you who sent comments on last weeks examination of Mitt Romneys chart. Its always a pleasure to hear from you and your comments were, and always are, very welcome!

Shipwrecked

While the majority of astrology readings center on individuals, there is a long and well-established tradition of looking at the charts of events. This can be anything, from the birth of a nation, to a missing person, or in the case of this weeks example, the sinking of a ship. In general, I avoid seizing on the misfortunes of others as material for the newsletter. But in this case, the chart for the sinking of the Costa Concordia is so eloquent and direct, I cant resist. Also, its a somewhat unusual situation in that we have a clear timeline to erect a chart. In fact, because the timeline is so well established, we can choose from two potential charts: the chart of the ship launching or the chart of the sinking. Because the two charts are very similar, with the only the difference being in the rising sign, Ill use the chart for the shipwreck.

Not surprisingly, the astrology is dire and has a fated quality. And what I mean by that is that as often happens, the chart is dominated by the presence of fixed stars at critical points. For those of you who are new or dont remember my previous explanations on this, the fixed stars refer to a group of a hundred or so stars that are believed exert an unusual or special influence on earthly events when they are found in key positions of a chart. By key positions, I mean conjunct an important planet or on a sensitive point like the ascendant or midheaven. In my own experience as an astrologer, when these stars are found on a planet that is not particularly strong or able to act in the chart, there is a sense in the person of a yearning for a different fate that is somehow just out of their reach. We have Virgo rising, which makes its ruling planet, Mercury, the commander of the ship. Nearly 400 years ago, the great English astrologer, William Lilly, wrote at length about the astrological significations of ships at sea. Virgo, he wrote, symbolizes the belly of the ship, which in this case is entirely appropriate as the bottom of the ship was torn apart by rocks. What makes Mercury so crucial in this chart is its position on one of the most unfortunate of the fixed stars, Facies. How unfortunate? According to the standard text on the topic, Facies symbolizes blindness, violent death, sickness, accidents, broken limbs. But theres much more. Look at the rising sign and youll see both the Moon and Mars in Virgo conjunct to another fixed star, Denebola. Once again, Ill simply quote rom Robsons book: Criticism, mental illness, happiness turns to despair, disease, natural disasters, catastrophes. Happiness turns to despair. Is there a better possible description for a cruise ship sinking in the ocean? In addition, keep in mind that Mars also rules the house of death (8th house cusp is Aries) in this chart, reinforcing it as a sensitive point. Finally, its worth looking at the Sun, which is placed in the house of pleasure (5th) but in the least pleasurable sign, Capricorn. It is square to Saturn (authority) and, almost as a coup de grace to this tragic story, is placed on another fixed star, Peacock, which may be an appropriate description of the captain of the ship. And the astrological meaning of the fixed star, Peacock: vanity, love-of-display, a long life and sometimes fame.

The Purpose of Astrology

An astrological reading can be eloquent in terms of focusing people on what they should be doing. Because the fact is that when people are doing something that fulfills them, theyre less likely to get caught up in pettiness, trivia and all the other negative emotions that block us from growing. To learn more about readings, go to: www.astrologyhelps.net

The Sky Ahead

Aries: Sometimes its necessary to detach from events or people around you in order to gain perspective. This doesnt have to be done in a cold way, or with the intent to cause harm. Instead, think of it as a tool, much like a measuring stick, to assess your distance from the world. If people are too far away, then its an opportunity to move closer. Or vice versa. Most important of all is the task of measuring where you currently to where you wish to be. Taurus: Emphasize the unusual this week by using the Moons passage through Aquarius to elevate social ideas or connections. While there is some tension between security-minded Taurus and visionary Aquarius, you can use that conflict to your advantage by finding and using whats different or unique and turning it into an advantage or differentiator. No need to make sudden changes, just positive ones. Gemini: Whatever you do, avoid spending time with people or in situations that dont help you expand in some way. Instead apply your considerable mental energy into channels that are likely to yield long-term benefits. Dont worry too much about whether or not others understand you. The goal here is to develop a better understanding of what your own needs are and then compare them to those around you. How do they all fit together? Cancer: Dont let your urge for security override your need for adventure or stimulation. Shaking things up every once in a while is necessary for Cancerians to stay balanced. Otherwise theres a danger of growing too fond of your shell. Keep in mind that no matter how beautiful your shell, or your home is, its still a shell and you need to be comfortable outside of it. Adventurous impulses can lead to unique rewards. Leo: Bold expressions will be rewarded this week, as the Leo

Sun finds heightened expression with the Moon in Aquarius. This is a good week to look at the bigger social picture and figure out where you fit in. And once youve figured out where to fit in, you need to make others recognize your value by displaying your knowledge and perceptions. Sometimes Leos have so much pride they secretly dont think they should have to roar to make themselves known. But thats what roaring is for! Virgo: By finding unique solutions to the problems that are on your mind will not only reduce your inner tension, but also gain respect from those around you. Combine Virgo adaptability with the unique perspectives of the Moon in Aquarius to avoid repeating the same behaviors, which, lets face it, always lead to the same conclusions. If you see the world around you in a different way, and youll be in the world in a different way. Libra: Beware of being overwhelmed by whatever is going on around you. With Venus moving through Pisces, there can be a danger of living a little too much in your head or simply withdrawing from things. Your mind may be somewhere else, but the pressures of daily life are all around you. Figure out how not to get ground down by the demands on your time and attention. Remember you have a body that needs to be taken care of. Scorpio: Dont let unexpected events knock you off your path. Sometimes its much simpler than you make it: know what is relevant to your growth and what is not, and whatever is not should be quickly dealt with and not worried over. Creative power should be running high right now, so thats where the flow of energy should go. And if you dont have a sense of yourself moving forward, this is a time to ask why not and what has to change. Sagittarius: Sometimes the need for security and the need for innovation clash within you. When that happens, you need to be bold and give up a little bit of what youre hanging on to for the chance to gain more. In other words, take your big ideas and do something with them this week. But, while doing so, dont overdramatize or turn situations into melodramas. If you exhaust people around you with little things, they wont be able to see the big things you have to offer. Capricorn: Cultivate a little flexibility in your approach. The determination of Capricorn is an admirable quality, but it can bog you down sometimes. Instead of fighting against unexpected circumstances, use them to shake you out of your absolute certainty about the world. If you cant connect to a higher cause, at least be open to what others are saying and doing. Aquarius: You should be feeling some power this week, as the Sun joins the Moon, which is already in Aquarius. Its a good period to finish projects and figure out what you want to explore next. Look at things around you critically, but be careful in your criticism of others. Your detachment can sometimes seem offensive to those who dont know you. You might want to leave room for self-criticism as well. Pisces: Sometimes its easy for Pisces to be misunderstood because theyre not easy to read. So dont take the attacks or snubs of others personally. Remember you have a higher goal

youre trying to reach and thats what really counts. Avoid any impulses to be indecisive; instead take action on your ideas, as the Moon in Aquarius gives you insights that others lack. Instead of having conscience be your guide, try having confidence be your guide.

Casebook of Horary Astrology

Whats Wrong With Our Relationship?

The uses of horary astrology are many. Some clients use it as a way to check in on a situation, as in the question, Will we get back together? While horary can provide yes and no answers, it is also helpful in some situations as a diagnostic tool, as the client who asked this question found out. As always, chart and answer are below:

This is one of those situations where I feel a little awkward in giving an answer. The chart has Aries rising, with Mars right on the cusp. The partner is Libra, giving him Venus and Saturn as rulers. The answer here is pretty simple: shes fallen out of love. Mars in Aries has no interest in Venus or Saturn. In this case, Venus is probably too wishy-washy for the woman asking the question. By aspect, nothing connects these two. Was it always this way? No. And the reason we know that is because we see that the rising sign has just changed, from Pisces to Aries. In horary, sign changes are a big deal. Basically, their meaning is: that was then, this is now. When my client responded to me, her answer was very simple and a little plaintive. Youre right. My feelings have changed. I dont know why, but the things that attracted me to him just dont keep my interest any more.

You only possess what cannot be lost in a shipwreck.

~ Sufi saying

Thank you for subscribing to the Astrology Helps weekly newsletter. Please feel free to send questions or comments to me. You can find information on all my services at www.astrologyhelps.net. If you would like to unsubscribe from this mailing (but really, why would you?) just send an email with unsubscribe in the subject line to me. Copyright Chris Petrakos 2012 chris@astrologyhelps.net