ProcrastiNATI0N

[bluemascara]

I'm a horrible procrastinator. I'm in college and my major is writing intensive, and i usually have atleast 5 10 page papers a semester. But even when i try to start these assignments on time, i'll just sit there with the word document open and focus on other stuff, and write one sentence every two hours. I can't even get to work until I know that it is the last minute. I do work pretty well under that last minute pressure though. Does anything in my natal chart point at this? I'm thinking that maybe its the Retrograde Libra Mercury opposite Retrograde Aries Jupiter?
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/4278/myhoroscopech7.th.png (http://img517.imageshack.us/my.php?image=myhoroscopech7.png)

[freedomlover]

I'm a horrible procrastinator. I'm in college and my major is writing intensive, and i usually have atleast 5 10 page papers a semester. But even when i try to start these assignments on time, i'll just sit there with the word document open and focus on other stuff, and write one sentence every two hours. I can't even get to work until I know that it is the last minute. I do work pretty well under that last minute pressure though. Does anything in my natal chart point at this? I'm thinking that maybe its the Retrograde Libra Mercury opposite Retrograde Aries Jupiter?
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/4278/myhoroscopech7.th.png (http://img517.imageshack.us/my.php?image=myhoroscopech7.png)

Hello again, bluemascara!


Possibly.... Mars in Libra is hesitant to assert because of being opposed by Jupiter(r) in Aries on MC, but in the 9th. This can show a fear of "not being good enough" - that others ideas are superior or that you are not allowed to initiate your own ideas.

Corroborating this.... Mercury(r) in Libra rules 3rd house of communication. Mercury is in the 4th - possibly your communication/self-expression got stifled some way at home? Did you feel you had to always had to "keep the peace" in some way? Did you not feel "free" or "equal" in your ability to communicate with your family of origin? South Node in Libra is in the 3rd, as well. South Node is a place that feels comfortable, but really holds you back.

Co-ruling the 3rd is Chiron(R) in Gemini in the 11th house. This shows a constant wound that is slow to heal regarding communication/3rd house matters, as pertains to the 11th house. Hopes and dreams of an education? equality issues with friends/or men? In ability to trust and thus filled with doubt ( Chiron in Gemini) ideas received from the higher mind? (11th house)

Jupiter(r) in Aries rules the 5th house of your inner child. Either you were encouraged to compete because you were so intelligent, or you were encouraged to compete and you didn't feel you measured up. Either way, competition is the bugaboo here. It might help if you see it as just you expressing your own thoughts, versus how you measure up against other students, or what the teacher thinks of it. What YOU think of it is what really matters.

Furthering the competitiveness/comparison theme, Moon in Aries rules the 12th house of self-undoing, and is in the 9th house of higher studies. Moon is conjunct the North Node in Aries. Yep, asserting your own ideas is key.

Possibly part of the issue, too, is seeing teachers as authority figures. Neptune in Cap in the 5th rules the 9th house of teachers. (also turned 3rd of parents' communication, as a child - those who acted in a teaching role with you). Neptune in Cap in 5th can show your inner child carries a heavy burden of others expectations of you, and running on the illusion that you really need others approval.

You might want to do some introspection as to how you feel emotionally about these ideas I've brought up. I feel for you, having suffered from the same thing all my life.

Hope that helps a little ......

FL

[aquarius7000]

Hi Bluemascara,
I'm a horrible procrastinator...Does anything in my natal chart point at this? Here are a couple of quick thoughts from my side:

> personal planets in Libra like Mercury, which can be quite indecisive and dilly-dally over choices. Mars in Libra is in its detriment and may take one step ahead and two backwards. It is not full-force in action, and assertion and drive may fail him here

> Saturn-Mars tight sextile may make the already not so strong Libran Mars further cautious and fearful (Saturn), thereby making it inhibited when it comes to action. On the other hand, Saturn-Mars aspects also reduce the impulsiveness and rashness of Mars

> Neptune-Moon square, here Nep might challenge (square) your Moon (inner self, sub-conscious habits, moods and emotions) by making it get lost in a dreamy world of its own, at times, and away from reality a bit. Neptune also has the talent to fog things up and confuse. This perhaps also adds that element of doubt and unsurity to Moon (which needs personal/inner security), another thing, which perhaps makes you deter from doing things, thereby contributing to the problem of procrastination.

> Ura-Mer sextile, this aspect might contribute indirectly in that it makes your mind (Merc), though quick and agile, but also perhaps a bit nervous and jumpy, without giving it the needed staying power and concentration sometimes.

:)AQ7

[RockFish]

I'm a master procrastinator, and I have in common with you a square between Moon and Neptune, and a mars-jupiter opposition.

Mars-Jupiter, I don't think this is the key, Mars against Jupiter actually makes for intensity and over-reaction sometimes, or some "hero" complex, like, you feel you can solve everyone else's problems......

I think Moon-Neptune tension is the key. Bad focus, fleeting attention, consumate daydreamer.

And I have Saturn squaring Neptune too, so I can let my whole life go out the window with my lack of discipline.

So, what worked for me was:

I decided to stablish a little bit of discipline in my life, not too much, not too little. Just enough to make things going, but not enough to stress my Moon and her love for daydreams.

I tried to force myself to be a very disciplined person, and it didn't work. It made me literally sick, and made me procrastinate and delay stuff forever, and I got even more messed up (it took me six years to finish college, while the normal amount of time is four years). So, having a whole lot of discipline wasn't the answer for me, it doesn't go with my personality... In fact, daydreaming and being distracted are not mistakes or things we have to fight, they are part of who we are... We have to acknowledge them as a part of us and find a place for them, give them some space, balance them with discipline.

So I decided to stablish a fixed amount of work per day, not a lot, but not too little, just enough to make me feel sufficiently productive. Then, when that amount of work is done, I just let myself fly.... :p

Hope this helps.

[aquarius7000]

Rockfish,

Just for comparison's sake (so hope Bluemascara won't mind), I noticed in your chart also a Saturn-Mars aspect (common to both the charts), the inconjunct in your case. This again might 'block' Mars drive for action, making it wait too long out of caution.. I too have a tight Saturn-Mars opposition, and also fall into the procrastination trap at times, so I can give a third confirmation as regards these two very-opposite-in-nature-planets from my side, too.
The Nep-Sat aspect is a generational one, so I would pay little attention to it.

Agree with you on the Nep-Moon aspect, as mentioned in my previous post; and also feel that Jup-Mars opposition is actually not the one inihibiting action/contributing to procrastination.

:)AQ7

[Shining Ray]

I would look at the opposing energies of Libra and Aries, Mercury in Libra has a reputation for indecision, dilly dallying. It's that Jupiter in Aries, that is literally pushing you forward at the last minute, Aries is quite competitive, and will leap into action when it really needs to and saves the day.

You have an exact Sun-Pluto conjunction in Scorpio, so perhaps, although you know you need to reach a deadline, on some level you are still in control. I sympathize with you, I am the worst student; at school, the night before the exam, I would open up a textbook. Although my marks reflected my lack of study, whereas you seem to have knowledge and can get a paper in just on time.

Perhaps, also, you like the challenge of being within a tight time limit. By leaving an essay until the last minute, you become more competitive, and it challenges your intellect. The competitiveness could also be reflected by Mars in Libra 3rd house. The planet Mars, which rules competition, aggression and motivation, is in the intellectual sector of the chart.

[R4VEN]

i'll just sit there with the word document open and focus on other stuff, and write one sentence every two hours. I can't even get to work until I know that it is the last minute. I do work pretty well under that last minute pressure though. Does anything in my natal chart point at this? I can so relate to that!!

I also have Moon square neptune, and with Mars in Libra, and when I have a task to perform - particularly if there is a deadline involved - I will procrastinate until there is no option other than to get the task done.
When I was a tertiary student I dealt with this by making myself get the task (or paper, or whatever) done so long before the deadline that I never felt pressured by the deadline itself! (and I also recognise that this is a trifle insane..:eek:)

Mars (and Mercury) in Libra is very flowing-towards-balance energy, and so the very idea of having to do something to meet a deadline goes against this sensibility!!

Moon-Neptune square just wants to dream one's life away, or only to engage in activities which are fun, or feel good, or are hugely creative - i.e. with no rules and few limitations!

[katydid]

I'm a horrible procrastinator. I'm in college and my major is writing intensive, and i usually have atleast 5 10 page papers a semester. But even when i try to start these assignments on time, i'll just sit there with the word document open and focus on other stuff, and write one sentence every two hours. I can't even get to work until I know that it is the last minute. I do work pretty well under that last minute pressure though. Does anything in my natal chart point at this? I'm thinking that maybe its the Retrograde Libra Mercury opposite Retrograde Aries Jupiter?
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/4278/myhoroscopech7.th.png (http://img517.imageshack.us/my.php?image=myhoroscopech7.png)


I am also a HORRIBLE procrastinator. And you and I have one major aspect
in common---Mercury opposed Jupiter. Mines Mercury 18Scorpio opposed Jupiter 18 Taurus, conjunct ASC 21 Taurus. I also work well under pressure, which is good, cuz that is the ONLY way I work. :eek:

[astrologer50]

I agree with lots of what's been said already, but would mention that although mercury is retrograde is will make you a deeper think and much more analytical, especially when upset. I have merc Rtx and I have to internalise things before I can externalise, so when I go quiet, it means I'm deeply thinking, analaysing and then can come back (if needs be) to challenge, rectify, put right and speak forcefully as they say over matters.

I do feel that your Moon Neptune is prob responsible also, cos it could be quite psychic also and like me prob didn't understand mum too great either or women.

To have 2planets in the 3rd house of Gemini is compounding matters, cos Pisces, Gemini and Libra are all procrastinating, restless and indecisive signs and gemini doesn't even like making decisions if it can get away with it.

Do this all sound familiar? The chart you posted is of really poor quality, perhaps next time you could attach as thumbnail. For help on how to do this, go here http://www.astrologyweekly.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12126 (http://www.astrologyweekly.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12126)

[freedomlover]

To: BLUEMASCARA

I guess what I was trying to say,too, is that the school systems have inherent in their structure a sense of competition. One is supposed to be better than others, and must excel if you want to get into a good college, and especially if you want a scholarship. It puts a lot of undue pressure on a person to get it absolutely right. This can block the flow of free expression. It's like expectations are so high that it seems almost impossible to reach. Beginners begin at the beginning - and every assignment is a beginning. (Gee, that sounded like something Confucious might say -well..... while he was on some good drugs....:p) Anyway, I didn't mean to imply that you were this super-competitive cutthroat student. I hope it didn't come across that way. I meant that the school system kind of forces the competitive stuff on the students - which is really to their detriment.

TO: ASTROLOGER50
The chart you posted is of really poor quality, perhaps next time you could attach as thumbnail
The initial chart that comes up IS of very poor quality. But if you keep clicking on the image, it will eventually clear up. After the initial chart appears, click on it, a new one will appear, then click on that - that should solve it for you.

FL

[Arian Maverick]

I guess what I was trying to say,too, is that the school systems have inherent in their structure a sense of competition. One is supposed to be better than others, and must excel if you want to get into a good college, and especially if you want a scholarship. It puts a lot of undue pressure on a person to get it absolutely right. This can block the flow of free expression. It's like expectations are so high that it seems almost impossible to reach. Beginners begin at the beginning - and every assignment is a beginning. (Gee, that sounded like something Confucious might say -well..... while he was on some good drugs....) Anyway, I didn't mean to imply that you were this super-competitive cutthroat student. I hope it didn't come across that way. I meant that the school system kind of forces the competitive stuff on the students - which is really to their detriment.

This is the situation in which I currently find myself--and unfortunately, I've responded with procrastination.

I wrote a paper for an ethics class that my professor said was one of the best he'd read on the subject by a student; he told me that he wants to submit it to a philosohpy conference. So I feel I have to write an even better paper for the final assignment, and I just can't get motivate myself to do so because it's the end of the semester and I'm tired.

I almost didn't go to college because of the system freedomlover described, but western society is structured in such a matter that requires a college diploma for most skilled, decent-paying jobs; this is especially true for women.

I elected to go to a community college, thinking the pressure would be less intense, but this has not been the case at all. Many students are ambitious, almost cut-throat, to gain acceptance into Ivy-League universities. Those who are perceived to have the ability to gain acceptance into prestigious four-year colleges and universities are expected to do so; if they chose a different path, they receive raised eyebrows and comments from well-meaning professors and students.

Just for comparison's sake (so hope Bluemascara won't mind), I noticed in your chart also a Saturn-Mars aspect (common to both the charts), the inconjunct in your case. This again might 'block' Mars drive for action, making it wait too long out of caution.. I too have a tight Saturn-Mars opposition, and also fall into the procrastination trap at times, so I can give a third confirmation as regards these two very-opposite-in-nature-planets from my side, too.

Astrologically, I have the Saturn-Mars inconjunct, as well. These planets are particularly prominant in my natal chart, since Saturn is the Lord of the Geniture and Mars is the ruler of my Aries stellium, comprised of the Sun, Moon, Mercury, and Venus in the first house. I also have a massive series of square aspects between a Saturn-Neptune conjunction (there's the Saturn-Neptune theme expressed earlier) and a Sun-Venus-Mercury conjunction. So as aquarius7000 has expressed, procrastination may be an expression of these "stop-go" energies.

To have 2planets in the 3rd house of Gemini is compounding matters, cos Pisces, Gemini and Libra are all procrastinating, restless and indecisive signs and gemini doesn't even like making decisions if it can get away with it.

I didn't realize Gemini was a procrastinating sign, although it makes sense; I have two planets in the third house in Gemini, as well, and the type of procrastination I'm vulnerable to is doing everything but what needs to get done. For example, I've been researching all kinds of interesting topics, exploring whatever interests me--but I haven't gotten past the second paragraph of my paper. So many other unimportant thoughts and ideas capture my ideas, and I feel I need to explore them now with the typical impulsiveness of Aries/Mars.

I was looking forward to transiting Mars conjunct my Sun-Venus-Mercury conjunction because I thought it would infuse me with energy and drive, but it's activated other areas in my chart, as well--including that third house natal Mars in Gemini. I've been mentally active, but my energies are scattered, as characteristic of this Mars placement. I imagine it's similar with those in Mars in the otehr air signs.

Arian Maverick

[bluemascara]

:)Thanks so much for all the replies! Sorry i Didn't respond to all the posts quicker, i was stuck at work.

You guys brought up a lot of stuff to consider that I didn't even think about. For example, the Saturn-Mars sextile, or the Moon square Neptune. I always thought that Saturn-Mars would have some kind of focusing influence (duty, discipline), but that it would limit Mars' action totally makes sense.
I noticed in your chart also a Saturn-Mars aspect (common to both the charts), the inconjunct in your case. This again might 'block' Mars drive for action, making it wait too long out of caution.. I too have a tight Saturn-Mars opposition, and also fall into the procrastination trap at times, so I can give a third confirmation as regards these two very-opposite-in-nature-planets from my side, too.

Aquarius 7000, yep it does work that way for me i think. In an interesting way too. I'm cautious about what i write, in a perfectionist way, but i get bored quickly and don't ahve the patience to sit there and concenrate and deliberate. A lot of people i knwo get through papers quickly cuz they just whatever straight through.But I don't want to write ********, So i just go on and do other things, and don't get what i need done.
I think Moon-Neptune tension is the key. Bad focus, fleeting attention, consumate daydreamer

Rockfish, yep. Pretty much.I am horrible at focusing, no focus whatever so ever, and i never even thought to blame the Moon-Neptune square for it.

I would look at the opposing energies of Libra and Aries, Mercury in Libra has a reputation for indecision, dilly dallying. It's that Jupiter in Aries, that is literally pushing you forward at the last minute, Aries is quite competitive, and will leap into action when it really needs to and saves the day.

personal planets in Libra like Mercury, which can be quite indecisive and dilly-dally over choices. Mars in Libra is in its detriment and may take one step ahead and two backwards. It is not full-force in action, and assertion and drive may fail him here

Yes. That's what I was looking at also. I hate, hate, hate the pronounced libra-aries thing in my chart. It doesn't just help make me a top-notch procrastinator, it's responsible for a while lot of wonderful qualities, like
making quick decisions and then rethinking them over and over and over and changing my mind and making other quick decisions and then rethinking them again and changin my mind again. It's a never ending circle. Comes into big time play when assignments need to be done. "i'll write this. Wait, is that what I should write? Hmmm....:59: ." *Goes off to do something else*There should be a headdesk icon here lol.



For example, I've been researching all kinds of interesting topics, exploring whatever interests me--but I haven't gotten past the second paragraph of my paper. So many other unimportant thoughts and ideas capture my ideas, and I feel I need to explore them now with the typical impulsiveness of Aries/Mars.


ArianMaverick, that's exactly how it always is with me as well. I'll get so interested in everything but what i need to be interested in, all the while wanting to write something brilliant as opposed to ****. Btw, people that have stelliums in fire signs fascinate me. IT's especially cool thaty ou have it with personal planets. Do you get super assertive/aggressive? My grandmother has Sun,mercury,venus & saturn in aries. She always has to be first, always has to have things as soon as she wants them, still up and working and running around always v. active. I love her.

I have merc Rtx and I have to internalise things before I can externalise, so when I go quiet, it means I'm deeply thinking, analaysing and then can come back (if needs be) to challenge, rectify, put right and speak forcefully as they say over matters.

I do feel that your Moon Neptune is prob responsible also, cos it could be quite psychic also and like me prob didn't understand mum too great either or women.



astrologer50, it's interesting that yours works like that because i actually analyze/understand things best by externalizing them by debating and arguing about them. I'll fully come to understand something if i've debated it with another person.Maybe its because mine is in libra? what sign is yours?If i try to think deeply about something i get bored/irritated and think about something else.
I somewhat understand women (thanks to Moon trine Venus) but i'm not too interested in them LOL. I have two close girlfriends now but growing up i was never one of those girls that went around in a big group of girls and whatnot, and i don't particularly enjoy girls nights out and stuff like that.
Btw, i'm sorry if my chart was hard to read for you and thanks a lot for replying despite the fact. I have it uploaded in imageshack and it expands when i open it and click on the image. If there's a more convenient way i'll deff use that next time :)

Possibly.... Mars in Libra is hesitant to assert because of being opposed by Jupiter(r) in Aries on MC, but in the 9th. This can show a fear of "not being good enough" - that others ideas are superior or that you are not allowed to initiate your own ideas.

Corroborating this.... Mercury(r) in Libra rules 3rd house of communication. Mercury is in the 4th - possibly your communication/self-expression got stifled some way at home? Did you feel you had to always had to "keep the peace" in some way? Did you not feel "free" or "equal" in your ability to communicate with your family of origin? South Node in Libra is in the 3rd, as well. South Node is a place that feels comfortable, but really holds you back.

Co-ruling the 3rd is Chiron(R) in Gemini in the 11th house. This shows a constant wound that is slow to heal regarding communication/3rd house matters, as pertains to the 11th house. Hopes and dreams of an education? equality issues with friends/or men? In ability to trust and thus filled with doubt ( Chiron in Gemini) ideas received from the higher mind? (11th house)

Jupiter(r) in Aries rules the 5th house of your inner child. Either you were encouraged to compete because you were so intelligent, or you were encouraged to compete and you didn't feel you measured up. Either way, competition is the bugaboo here. It might help if you see it as just you expressing your own thoughts, versus how you measure up against other students, or what the teacher thinks of it. What YOU think of it is what really matters.

Furthering the competitiveness/comparison theme, Moon in Aries rules the 12th house of self-undoing, and is in the 9th house of higher studies. Moon is conjunct the North Node in Aries. Yep, asserting your own ideas is key.

Possibly part of the issue, too, is seeing teachers as authority figures. Neptune in Cap in the 5th rules the 9th house of teachers. (also turned 3rd of parents' communication, as a child - those who acted in a teaching role with you). Neptune in Cap in 5th can show your inner child carries a heavy burden of others expectations of you, and running on the illusion that you really need others approval.

You might want to do some introspection as to how you feel emotionally about these ideas I've brought up. I feel for you, having suffered from the same thing all my life.

Hope that helps a little ......


Thanks so much freedom lover! And i totally understood what you meant, no worries. I'm not overly competitive though, just a bit. I am in the way that i want good grades and i do want to be perceived as smart(er),LOL, than some people. but yeah, your'e right i was pushed in the "you're such a bright girl you should do this and this and this blah blah" way at times. Still though, i don't go crazy like some people. It actually ties in with what you said about communication. I"m not inhibited at communicating. I'm argumentive and liek to debate A LOT (mars in third acts out, despite it's weak sign). I also like to say things that shock people, especially in the educational environment where most people have cookie cutter opinions. I think maybe the third house thign with chiron comes out in the fact that my opinion differ so greatly from everyone else's? I'm very non-conformist, i always want to go against the majority,but sometimes i DO feel weighed down by the fact that i have a differing opinion from the majority of the people that surround me, and sometimes they attack me for it.

[iwonder]

I tend to procrastinate. There was an article in American Scientific Mind magazine about procrastination and its roots. Of course, they did not mention any astrology, but I could not help but draw parallels.


So researchers identified several types of procrastinators (those who put off a task despite the reward expected upon accomplishment, all the while being fully aware of risks if the task is not accomplished).

Of course, first type is those who lack conscientiousness (my thoughts are weak Saturn perhaps; lack of Virgo or weak 6th house, or Neptune influence there)

Then there are those who avoid the task because it is unpleasant. Libra and Pisces come to mind. Indecisiveness is another cause, and both signs fit well.

Impulsive people cannot concentrate and procrastinate because they are often distracted with other things that seem important. I think Aries influence could very well be responsible. Mercury/Uranus contacts. Mutable/cardinal qualities of a chart too.

Then there is anxiety procrastination - either fear of underperformance or fear to do so well that it will be hard to keep up. I don't know what could show that in a chart... Probably accented 10th house, Saturn; again, Saturn is associated with anxiety.

And some people's procrastination and then working under pressure (thus minimizing the time of suffering) is thought to be similar to survival. Sun/Mars or Sun/Pluto contacts.

It is really interesting to read this thread having read the article. So much in common!

[Vicious]

I can answer this because we have very similar charts (same ASC degree, same node signs/houses, etc.)

It's your south node and mars in libra in the 3rd (a horrible horrible procrastinating sign.) I was the same way when I was younger.

Your north node, moon and eris are in aries in 9th. Work these puppies for a happier life.

What's the key with nn in aries in 9th vs. sn in libra in 3rd?

Don't be about pleasing others, be about standing up for your views and everything will work out splendidly. The reason for procrastination is often rooted in fear of displeasing others. Never worry about that, just the truth.