How do you deal with the "bad" characteristics in a chart

[estrella polaris]

I am quite new to astrology, and ofte I take the easy way and read electronic natal charts that are available for free. But the last I read on zodioscope.com left me really disturbed. Almost everything was negative, a person I would never like to have as a friend or be close to. Still, many of the traits I can actually relate to to some extent. The words used were a bit harsh, however.

I know that I shall not pay too much attention to electronic readings, but how do you more experienced readers deal with "bad" aspects and planets? I should also say that I am a person who very much believe in the strength of words. They can alter your thinking in a good or a bad way.

The question is asked by a cap sun, aquarius moon, sag rising

[vlsmercury7]

I understand what you are saying. If you are fairly new to astrology, you will come across different interpretations by different astrologers. You will find that some peoples' interpretations do not resonate with you, and may even be disturbing. It is sometimes hard enough communicating online in general, as things can be taken the wrong way. The thing with astrology is that it isn't regulated. Anyone can claim to be an astrologer, you don't have to have a qualification, and there are no codes of ethics or other points that could be taken into consideration. You go by faith that the person doing the interpretation knows what they are doing. It's the same with having a reading in person. Unfortunately, there are some people out there who are insensitive when speaking or writing, so it's a matter of trial and error. However, the majority of astrologers are dedicated to helping others and have a good working knowledge of their subject and how to go about the tricky subject of so-called "bad" planets and aspects. I hope your experience of zodioscope.com hasn't put you off astrology altogether.

There are positive and negative aspects in every chart, but if someone has interpreted your chart and consistently says negative things, then this is wrong. It's about looking at the whole picture and finding patterns that work. Where you might have a planet that is in a negative aspect to another, there will usually be another aspect which is positive, which helps to balance that area of your chart. If they interpret even the good points as bad or unfavourable, then it might be best to walk away, as this says more about them than it does about you.

Also, don't be completely put off by electronic interpretations, as they are useful when you are learning. Perhaps when you read an electronic report, take some notes, then see if you can put together a report in your own words. Having a good quality astrology manual is great, as you can check as you go, make adjustments or find another method of interpretation. And of course, you can always ask someone here. I hope this helps.

[estrella polaris]

Thank you so much, vlsmercury7, for your kind and constructive reply. A second reading revealed that there actually were some positive comments as well, so I wasn't completely fair. They were just not so obvious.

I guess I have to train my reading ability as well, trying to understand what is said and not only looking for what I want to see.

[Lin]

It's always best to remember that ALL aspects and house positions and signs are "potentials". The way we use or express each energy and aspect depends upon so many other issues in the chart.

Your basic philosophy, value system and early childhood programming has a lot to do with dealing with any potentially disturbing aspect. Reading the chart holistically is one thing a computer cannot do. If you really want to get a whole picture you need to either find a legitimate astrologer or set about learning astrology yourself.
Or both.
I suggest both.
The journey to the center of the self is a long and complicated one. NO one can tell you everthing.
LIN

[waybread]

Each sign, planet, and house has positive and negative attributes. Although squares and oppositions are likely to indicate problems, and sextiles and trines are likely to indicate the positive meanings, we can always work to improve.

You sometimes find this in the charts of older people, where they have some gosh-awful aspects that normally indicate a bad temper. If you put this to them they will often say, "I used to be like this when I was younger, but I learned early in life that I had to control my temper."

This doesn't mean suppressing or denying our fundamental nature, merely working with it to reveal its positive dimensions.

Also, if astrology has any meaning, astrologers themselves have their own strengths and weaknesses. As someone with Aquarius and Capricorn placements as well, I sometimes wonder whether the negatives about these signs were written by clingy Cancers or control-freak Scorpios. Hey, we winter-born people need our space! On planets Capricorn and Aquarius, we are the normal ones.

A very wise, funny, and warm-hearted introduction to astrology for beginners is Stephen Forrest, The Inner Sky. Highly recommended. Also Robert Hand, Planets in Youth. If you can spring for a couple of books, these would be very positive ways to get started in astrology.

Best wishes for your astro-journey!

[Moog]

Originally Posted by waybread

You sometimes find this in the charts of older people, where they have some gosh-awful aspects that normally indicate a bad temper. If you put this to them they will often say, "I used to be like this when I was younger, but I learned early in life that I had to control my temper."

Yes, certain periods of life bring out certain elements of the chart more fully, and there's your program for lesson learning.

My Mars dasha was an angry, angry time, full of conflict. Mars rules 1 and 6 in my chart. Other things are active for me now.

My mother's Mars dasha was terrible. Mars placed in the 4th, with Rahu. When that kicked off, it was a warzone in our house. Nowadays she's very different. Exalted Jupiter dasha.

Also, if astrology has any meaning, astrologers themselves have their own strengths and weaknesses. As someone with Aquarius and Capricorn placements as well, I sometimes wonder whether the negatives about these signs were written by clingy Cancers or control-freak Scorpios. Hey, we winter-born people need our space! On planets Capricorn and Aquarius, we are the normal ones.

Yes. Someone very strongly under the influence of Saturn may find Jovian values incomprehensible. Someone influenced strongly by Rahu has no interest in Saturn's agenda at all, except where it creates barriers to freedom.

Humans tend to think humancentrically. To 'God', or whatever, Saturn and Mars have their roles in the scheme of things. We, who may suffer from their effects without understanding why, aren't so happy about them.

[Lin]

"will often say, "I used to be like this when I was younger, but I learned early in life that I had to control my temper."

I get this a lot with reading for older clients. However: having cleared a hurdle once does not necessarily mean that challenge is over. Unless a Pluto transit was part of the "cure", this issue can come back with other heavy transits.

And it's not only about "temper." It can be any dark area or "unconscious" area. It can be addiction, financial temptations, ego temptations, - well, just about anything. Stress and frustration and long term negative transits can bring the issues back.
The good news is that once a person has dealt with the issues they can, theoretically remember this and do it again....easier the next time.

Overcoming heavy stuff the first time is the real challenge. Often we have used this negative behavior or had these attitudes for years before a crisis comes. It's hard to admit that first time that something is out of our control in our lives and has to be dealt with so that the rest of our lives can be more functional and not full of chaos.
LIN

[Skywomb]

I press EXECUTE, and let them RUN.
(Sorry I couldn't resist)

I'm by no means an expert, and this does not answer your question, nor should it. But the more I've read astrology (only a handful of books) the more I realize how wide it is...how much it (at least can) tie in with lots of subjects like psychology history etc etc.
Just from my life-experience in general, I've come to not only find tremendous amounts of ambiguity but also find comfort in it (like in astrology).
Don't worry.

[waybread]

Lin, I sometimes wonder if such people had very strict parents, or some kind of come-uppance in their youth that let them know that acting-out would not be tolerated.

[Lin]

"Lin, I sometimes wonder if such people had very strict parents, or some kind of come-uppance in their youth that let them know that acting-out would not be tolerated."

Sorry...I'm a bit lost....what do you mean by "such people"? People with very heavy negative aspects in the radix?
Most people I've seen have some heavy negatives in their charts...but not all had very strict parents.
So...maybe you could expand?
LIN

[waybread]

Lin, I was thinking of people with some really clear hard aspects. I agree that most people have hard aspects in some form or other, but imagine someone with a moon-Mars conjunction in a tight square with Pluto. Or a Thor's Hammer or two.

What is it that would mature such a person from temper trantrums in youth to a kind of wisdom that says, "I used to be like that, but I learned that I had to control it..."? I just suggested two possible explanations.

[estrella polaris]

Originally Posted by Lin

Reading the chart holistically is one thing a computer cannot do. If you really want to get a whole picture you need to either find a legitimate astrologer or set about learning astrology yourself.
Or both. I suggest both.The journey to the center of the self is a long and complicated one. NO one can tell you everthing.
LIN

Yes, this is very true!

[estrella polaris]

Originally Posted by waybread

A very wise, funny, and warm-hearted introduction to astrology for beginners is Stephen Forrest, The Inner Sky. Highly recommended. Also Robert Hand, Planets in Youth. If you can spring for a couple of books, these would be very positive ways to get started in astrology.

Best wishes for your astro-journey!

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to my naive question. It is very interesting when you share personal experiences. I will look at the books.

[estrella polaris]

Originally Posted by Skywomb

Just from my life-experience in general, I've come to not only find tremendous amounts of ambiguity but also find comfort in it (like in astrology).
Don't worry.

Yes, this is so true!

Thank you all for taking the time to share your wisdom. It has also been very interesting reading the thread "Overcoming challinging aspects using solutions found in your natal chart".