A talk written for non-astrologers

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Hi. I've been asked to give a talk at a local group of holistic therapists. This is what I've come up with. Any comments appreciated. I only have an hour to try to say all this, and also look at an example chart, so I've had to keep it short. Anyway, here it is:


Astrology is based on the correlation of celestial motions with terrestrial events and experiences. There is as yet no full scientific explanation of why such a correlation exists, but as modern science becomes increasingly holistic in its outlook, and as technological advances allow the observation of previously invisible forces, it is only a matter of time before such an explanation materialises.

Our distant ancestors realised that the motions of lights in the sky are cyclical and orderly, and then began to notice that a similar terrestrial event or experience would tend to recur each time a particular point in a celestial cycle was reached. A very obvious example of this is the way in which the lunar cycle reflects various agricultural, meteorological, biological and behavioural cycles.

In the interpretation of celestial cycles, four types of factors are considered: celestial bodies, zodiacal signs, houses and aspects.

Celestial Bodies

In astrology, a celestial body is a symbol of a function operating within the entity or situation being considered. The most important celestial bodies in astrological interpretation are the Sun and Moon, the seven planets which share the solar system with Earth, and Pluto – the first kuiper belt object to be discovered. Many astrologers also use other kuiper belt objects and also some of the many asteroids in our solar system. Chiron, whose orbit lies between those of Saturn and Uranus, is particularly widely used.

In the case of an individual, these functions are experienced as psychological drives. The Sun symbolises the drive to blossom and shine as a unique individual; the Moon symbolises the drive for sustainment, both psychological and physiological; Mercury symbolises the drive to translate perceptions into understanding, and to exchange ideas with others; Venus symbolises the drive to experience harmony and value, both internally and externally; and Mars symbolises the fighting spirit with which we assert our individuality and pursue our desires. These planets are called personal planets; they are concerned with the individual personality and with personal values.

The next planets, Jupiter and Saturn, are called the social planets; they symbolise functions through which the individual integrates into society and the wider world. Jupiter symbolises the drive to expand, and to align oneself with some greater power or plan (be it social or spiritual); and Saturn symbolises the drive to know one’s true nature and thereby to perform, with integrity, a useful role in a collective.

Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are called the outer planets; they are not visible to the naked eye, and symbolise functions which operate from the collective unconscious to bring transformation to the lives of individuals and also to collectives. Uranus symbolises the drive for innovation and truth; Neptune symbolises the drive for blissful unity with the rest of life; Pluto symbolises the drive to heal or purge that which prevents growth.

The movement of the outer planets through the signs of the zodiac, and the patterns they make with one another, symbolise shifts in collective consciousness: Uranus’ position reflects newly emerging ideas and principles; Neptune’s position reflects newly emerging moods in fashion, cinema and spirituality; and Pluto’s position reflects the kind of purging processes in which humanity is currently engaged. The Arab Spring, the parliamentary expenses scandal, the financial crash (and the consequent exposure of the practises of banks and corporations through the financial crash) are all very clearly reflected in the current positions of the outer planets – most notably by the sign positions between Uranus and Pluto and the 90 degree angle currently between them, as viewed from Earth.

The placement of the outer planets in an individual’s chart shows how she or he can best act, potentially at least, as a channel for changes to the collective, and also how the forces of the collective unconscious will prevent her or his consciousness from stagnating.

Signs

Zodiacal signs are measured along the ecliptic, which is the path which the Sun appears to follow around the Earth. The signs most commonly used in the West are the twelve signs of the Tropical Zodiac. In this zodiac, the first point of Aries is defined as the point occupied by the Sun at the March equinox. Consequently, the Sun occupies: the first point of tropical Cancer at the June solstice; the first point of tropical Libra at the September solstice; and the first point of tropical Capricorn at the December solstice. These points are referred to as the cardinal points of the zodiacal cycle.

The Tropical Zodiac is thus a product of the inclination of the Earth’s equator to the plane of its orbit around the Sun. We experience the Sun’s movement through the Tropical Zodiac as the seasonal cycle. As the Sun appears to move north and south of the equator during this cycle, the activity of the natural world is adjusted. Such practises as germination and hibernation are obvious examples of how different activities must be prioritised at different times of the year in order that an individual plant or animal, and its species as a whole, has the best chances of surviving from one year to the next.

Each celestial body is involved in its own zodiacal cycle. Astrologically, this means that the values and priorities of a function are reflected in the sign placement of the corresponding celestial body. Discussion of why the tropical zodiac applies to all locations on Earth, even though the seasonal cycle is only reflected by the Sun’s zodiacal sign for northern hemisphere locations is beyond the scope of this short talk.

Eastern astrologers are more likely to use the Sidereal Zodiac, which is defined by the positions of fixed stars. However, there is disagreement about where the first point of sidereal Aries is placed, and dozens of sidereal zodiacs have been proposed.

Houses

Each location on the surface of the Earth has its own rational horizon plane which passes through the centre of the Earth and which is perpendicular to a vertical line passing through the location. The point of the zodiac which is emerging above the horizon to the east at a given moment in time is called the ascendant, while the point of the zodiac which is setting below the horizon to the west is called the descendant. The point of the zodiac which is highest above the rational horizon plane is called the midheaven or MC, while the point of the zodiac which is lowest below the horizon is called the lower heaven or IC. These points are referred to as the angles.

Note that while zodiacal positions of celestial bodies are the same for all locations on Earth, the zodiacal positions of the angles vary according to location. A chart cast for a location in England would be approximately upside down compared to a chart cast for the same moment in time for a location in Australia.

There are many ways of dividing the chart into twelve houses. Quadrant house systems take the ascendant as the first point of the first house, the IC as the first point of the fourth house, the descendant as the first point of the seventh house, and the MC as the first point of the 10th house. Like the zodiacal cycle, the house cycle is divided into twelve segments – the reasons for this are beyond the scope of this talk.

Where the zodiacal cycle reflects changes in the expression of the life-force throughout the seasonal cycle, the house cycle reflects the experience of the alternation of night and day. Each house symbolises a particular type of experience – a particular area of life. Each house offers a different perspective on oneself – a different standpoint from which to become more conscious of who one is. The house placement of a celestial body or a zodiacal sign shows the area of life in which the individual will tend to meet, and most naturally express, the functions and values represented by those bodies and signs. An empty house does not mean that the corresponding area of life will be insignificant or barren, however.

Aspects

When two celestial bodies occupy the same zodiacal degree, as seen from Earth, they are said to form an aspect called a conjunction. The angle between the bodies then increases as the faster-moving body moves away. When they occupy opposite zodiacal degrees, the two bodies are said to form an opposition aspect, after which time they will eventually form another conjunction aspect. Between conjunctions and oppositions, innumerable other aspects are formed – each time the angle between them (as seen from Earth) is a factor of 360 degrees. For example, a square aspect involves a separation of 90 degrees, which is one quarter of the full circle.

We see the aspect cycle of the Sun and Moon very clearly in the changing phases of the Moon. The New Moon occurs at a conjunction between the Sun and Moon; the first quarter at a square aspect; the full Moon at the opposition aspect; and the last quarter at another square aspect.

An aspect between two celestial bodies indicates that the functions symbolised tend to act together – that there is a strong connection between them. The number by which the circle is divided to yield a particular aspect shows the ‘flavour’ of this connection. As an example, the opposition aspect occurs between two celestial bodies when they are one half of a circle away from one another, and so this aspect carries the meaning of the number two. Since the number two (and thus the 2nd harmonic) signifies polarity, celestial bodies in opposition aspect suggest that the functions symbolised by those bodies are polarised with respect to one another. Thus, conscious effort may be needed to reconcile an apparent conflict between the functions, thereby transforming the conflict into a dynamic partnership based on objective understanding.

Aspects don’t have to be exact to be significant; the deviation from exactitude is called an orb. The closer the aspect is to exact, the stronger the connection between the corresponding functions; astrologers differ in their opinions on what orb is allowable before the aspect becomes insignificant.




The sign and house placements of the celestial bodies, and the angular relationships between them, as seen from Earth, are continually changing. But when a new entity comes into being – be it an individual, a relationship, a business, a group or a nation state – the quality of energy represented by each placement is somehow embodied in the entity. For example, Venus may be at the 3rd degree of Pisces in its zodiacal cycle, in the first house in its house cycle, and at the opposition stage of its aspect cycle with Pluto. All of the factors shown in the birth chart (plus many more which are excluded because both astrologer and client would be overwhelmed by the amount of information!) together comprise the energy pattern embodied by the entity.

When an astrologer chooses a time to begin something, with the aim of instilling that thing with a favourable energy pattern, this is called Electional Astrology.

The interpretation or attempted prediction of a political or sociological event or trend, or an accident such as a crash, is called Mundane Astrology.

When an astrology tries to answer a particular question by casting a chart for the time and place at which the question is asked, this is called Horary Astrology.

Psychological astrology involves the interpretation of the birth chart of an individual or a small group of interacting individuals. An individual’s birth chart shows her or his predisposition to experience life in a particular way. Through mechanisms such as selective perception, projection and ‘self-fulfilling prophecy’ the predisposition shown in the birth chart gives rise to an experience of reality which reflects the patterns of the chart. Furthermore, there is also an uncanny tendency for us to be born into environments which actually do reflect very closely the reality which we are predisposed to expect.

This raises the issue of fate and free will. On the one hand the birth chart does reflect a kind of fate, but on the other hand, we are free to choose how to express the potentials shown in the chart. The level of consciousness of the individual determines how creatively this will be done, and this initially depends partly on the level of consciousness of early care-givers and of the community and society in which the individual is brought up. Neither the level of consciousness of the individual or caregivers during the formative years, nor the level of consciousness of the individual at any time in the individual’s life, can be discerned using astrology.

It is the aim of psychological astrology to assist an individual in becoming more conscious of her or his predisposition, so that she or he can express it more creatively, and any destructive and painful patterns which emerged during the formative years need not be endlessly repeated as fears, difficult relationship dynamics, physical symptoms, and so on. Blind spots can be illuminated, and projections taken back. Self-defeating attitudes can be exposed and more creative ways found to express the initially troublesome features of the individual’s nature.

The basic similarity of all birth charts reminds us that we all depend on the effective operation of the same functions, and that we all contain the same spectrum of values (signs) and encounter the same types of experiences (houses). And yet we are of course also reminded by astrology that we each carry a unique combination of strengths, values, needs and sensitivities. Since astrological symbolism separates experience into different categories, it is a kind of typology, similar to that used by the Jungian analyst or the Reichian therapist. Even where an individual’s birth chart is unavailable, those who are familiar with astrological symbolism can often spot the tell-tale signs of a particular type, and thus understand the deeper needs and motivations which underlie an individual’s behaviour.

Astrology can potentially be used along side any school of psychological or spiritual thought, since it does not, in itself, propose a model of why things are as they are, what we can do to change things for the better, or indeed what ‘better’ means. In fact astrology is best used in conjunction with something more directly existential, for instance a therapeutic model or a particular spiritual path. Humanistic psychology, and also thinking in terms of subpersonalities, both fit especially well with astrological symbolism. Jungian psychology is also widely used by astrologers. Jung used astrology in his work as an analyst, and Jungian psychology draws heavily from the same archetypes and myths which are represented by the celestial bodies and signs in astrological symbolism. The Jungian functions of consciousness also correspond to the four elements: fire, earth, air and water, which are each represented by three signs on the zodiac wheel:

Fire Earth Air Water
Cardinal Aries Capricorn Libra Cancer
Fixed Leo Taurus Aquarius Scorpio
Mutable Sagittarius Virgo Gemini Pisces

Fire corresponds to the intuitive function, earth to the sensation function, air to the thinking function, and water to the feeling function. Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable represent the three modes in which each element can be expressed. Cardinality is dynamic and direct, Fixity is persistent and focused, and Mutability seeks synthesis and understanding.

Although astrology does not carry its own value-system, we can see in the birth charts of pioneers such as Freud, Jung, Einstein or Marx how their work was influenced by the values inherent in their predisposition. There is nothing in a chart that one could use to reliably predict that an individual will become, say, a psychologist or a scientist, but we invariably see correlations between predisposition and their particular approach to their chosen field of study. We can also look at our own charts and notice that we often share the same biases as the initiators of our preferred schools of thought.

The birth chart is with an individual for the entirety of her or his life, but there are other astrological tools which show how the individual will tend to experience life differently at different times. In other words how particular facets of the basic blue-print will be prompted to blossom in particular ways at particular times. The ways in which these processes will be fleshed out in actual experience cannot be known from astrological techniques alone. No transit is inherently easy or difficult, and of course difficult experiences are often the most growthful.

Transits are the motions of celestial bodies in real time. Following birth, the celestial bodies continue in their various motions, making aspects to the individual’s natal planets as they do so. For example, if an individual is born with Mercury in the 10th degree of the sign of Aquarius, then as Pluto moves across that degree, we would say that transiting Pluto is conjuncting the individual’s natal Mercury. As with natal aspects, there is a range or orb within which the transiting aspect is significant.

Some transits are linked to a particular age in all people, because they involve aspects between a transiting planet and its natal position. The most significant of these are Saturn and Uranus. Saturn makes a particularly strong aspect to its natal position approximately every 7 years. Uranus opposes its natal position around age 42, and this transit is the main astrological significator of the mid-life crisis. Aspects between a transiting planet and a different natal planet are not universally tied to a particular age.

There are various other means of moving planets forward following birth, most notably secondary progressions. Using this technique, planetary motion during the day following birth is seen to reflect the unfolding of the potential shown in the birth chart during the year following birth. This rather strange notion works surprisingly well; it is as though a recording of unfolding cycles is made at a speed of one revolution per day, and played back at a speed of one revolution per year, with both the recording and the play-back beginning at the moment of birth.

We are often aware that a particular theme is prevalent in our lives during a particular time span, and this may manifest in part as a tendency to meet a particular type of person. Those who are involved in one-to-one work in a helping profession may be particularly aware such themes. Such themes are reflected in transits and progressions to the birth chart, reminding us that when helper and client meet, the encounter can be timely and creative for both.

Another tool available to the astrologer is synastry, by which two charts are compared to see how the two entities will affect one another. The predispositions (i.e. temperaments) of the entities can be compared, and aspects between planets in one chart and planets in the other can be interpreted. The astrologer can also draw up a new chart which is a composite of the two charts. This composite chart is also ‘susceptible’ to transits, and to synastry contacts with natal charts (including the natal charts of the people in the relationship).

Thus, when another entity ‘pushes a button’ for us, positively or negatively, we can find astrological significators for this which help to clarify what we are supposed to learn about ourselves from the encounter.

Synastry also accounts for the phenomenon whereby an individual loses a lover to a friend or sibling, etc. If there are strong aspects between the individual’s chart and the chart of her/his lover, and there are also strong aspects between the individual’s chart and her/his friend or sibling, then there will probably be strong aspects between the lover and the friend/sibling. The ‘change-over’ period will be accompanied by transits to relevant placements in the natal and composite charts involved.

If an individual has changed location since birth, an astrologer might also cast a relocation chart, which is a chart cast for the moment of birth, but cast as though the individual had been born in her or his new location. The original birth chart remains the fundamental reference, but additional information about how the individual will experience life in her or his new location can be gleaned from the relocation chart. Sign positions of celestial bodies, and the aspects between them, remain as in the natal chart – only the angles and house cusps move, which alters the house placements of the celestial bodies and signs.

We can see from the amount of detail in even this very basic chart, that Sun-sign columns are relatively crude. These columns are based on sound principles, however, and are often written by competent and experienced astrologers. Sun-sign astrology is based on the idea of solar houses, whereby the sign of the Sun is called the first solar house, the next sign is called the second solar house, and so on. For example, if Mars conjuncts Uranus in Leo, then those with Sun in Taurus might be warned to look out for accidents at home, because if Taurus is the first solar house, then Leo is the fourth, and the fourth house (solar or otherwise) symbolises, amongst other things, one’s experience of home-life.

Sun sign astrology works to some extent partly because the Sun symbolises such an important function in the psyche – as reflected by the fact that it’s gravity holds the solar system together and its energy makes possible life on Earth. But any positive effect which a Sun sign column has on the reader is likely to be because it is written in a way which reminds each individual of their core values and path to greater vitality – as symbolised by the Sun’s sign at birth – not because of predictive accuracy.

The more we honour the values of our Sun sign, the more we revitalise ourselves, the more joyful we feel, and the more confidence we have to be true to the creative life-force which radiates out from the centre of our being.

While all parts of the chart should be honoured, failure to honour the Sun has a particularly negative effect on individual’s health and happiness. In a birth chart, there are other factors besides zodiacal sign-placement which are relevant to our solar needs, but nonetheless, every single one of us can benefit by making a conscious effort to cultivate the qualities of our Sun-sign.

If you can also relate to other signs, you were probably born with other celestial bodies in those signs, and/or with the celestial bodies which have affinity with those signs prominently placed.

If you were born with the Sun in Aries, you are revitalised when acting with courage and initiative, especially when this is done in a forthright and honourable manner. If you find this difficult, try to learn more about what inhibits you. If you already express these qualities frequently, check out whether you do so compulsively and if so whether you harbour doubts about your strength and your ability to stand alone. Some people with this placement benefit greatly from physical activity.

If you were born with the Sun in Taurus, you are revitalised when making creative use of your talents and resources, especially when this has the effect of enhancing the stability and simplicity of your life. When doing this, notice if you are affected by issues of confidence and self-worth, which may manifest as stubbornness or acquisitiveness. Many people with this placement feel better for spending in nature, or by nourishing the senses in some other way.

If you were born with the Sun in Gemini, you are revitalised by learning about something which interests you, especially if this involves increasing your network of contacts. Notice whether you are inhibited by doubts about your ability to learn and articulate ideas. Also notice whether you stick too rigidly to your existing understanding, or whether your curiosity ever becomes frantic and compulsive.

If you were born with the Sun in Cancer, you are revitalised as you become more conscious of your feelings and instinctual responses. Having done this, let your attention be directed to the nurture of yourself, another, or some budding project which begins to take shape within the womb of your imagination. Notice any strong feelings of attachment to particular people, locations or situations – these may arise from a lack of confidence in your capacity for self-nurture, and a lack of trust of life in general.

If you were born with the Sun in Leo you are revitalised by simply being yourself. Acts of wholehearted self-expression are your way of witnessing and celebrating the creative power at the centre of your being. Notice how you feel when it is someone else’s turn of another to shine, and if you easily become despondent in the absence of an appreciative audience. Any pretence of invulnerability is probably an indication of deep-seated confidence issues which require careful examination.

If you were born with the Sun in Virgo, you are revitalised as you harmonise with the rhythms and requirements of nature and the material world. You shine most brightly when developing your skills, and when cleansing your body and psyche of impurities which impede your efficiency. Notice any intolerance of disorder and disruption, and any tendency toward destructive criticism of yourself or others. If the cleansing or organisation of yourself or your environment becomes frantic, try to slow down, relinquish control, and look at the underlying fears.

If you were born with the Sun in Libra you are revitalised when embodying your ideals of co-operative living and social harmony. This is especially so when you have a new idea to contribute to a group in which you participate. Notice if a strong need to harmonise with others prevents you from being true to your individual needs and values, or prevents your from fighting for your ideals. Notice also if you try to fulfil most of your idealism through a romantic relationship, rather than participating creatively in the life of a larger group.

If you were born with the Sun in Scorpio, you are revitalised when you allow intense feelings into consciousness, especially when you do not try to lessen the intensity of the experience by trying to control some feature of the world around you, or by giving your power away to someone else. As you gain more trust in the process of transformation and empowerment through surrender, you enhance your natural ability to forge mutually healing relationships with others, and to play a creative role in the transformation of society as a whole.

If you were born with the Sun in Sagittarius, you are revitalised by viewing your own experiences in the broader context of a belief system or a philosophy of life. Ideally, this will infuse your life with a sense of meaningfulness and optimism, and provide a moral compass with which to navigate. Notice if you get too wrapped up in maintaining this perspective – warning signs include: ignoring practical necessities, applying intuition in a child-like manner where either instinct, logic or pragmatism would be more appropriate, and lacking tolerance of alternative views.

If you were born with the Sun in Capricorn you are revitalised by applying self-discipline in the achievement of a goal. This is especially growthful when you are able to cultivate an increasing sense of integrity, while at the same offering yourself as a disciple to a greater power, or a contributor to a group or society. Notice any tendency to conform excessively to the expectations of others, to shy away from trying to achieve your ambitions, or to hunger for personal prestige and power. All of these issues arise from fears which typically inhibit or distort the creative potentials of this sign.

If you were born with the Sun in Aquarius, you are revitalised when opening your mind to the ideas and ideals which are either established or newly emerging in a particular group. This will usually involve interacting with other like-minded people who share your interests, and especially those who share your vision for a better world. You shine most brightly when being loyal to an ideal, especially when you are also able to respect those who do not share it, and accept that a human individual never measures up to a perfect ideal of human potential.

If you were born with the Sun in Pisces, you are revitalised as you feel at-one with all life, and when you are helping to lay to rest the confusion and suffering which haunt the group or collective of which you are part. However, you are at your best when you remain conscious of your own needs, and when the offering of your artistic inspiration and compassion to others is also an act of individual self-expression. Notice when you need to spend time away from others to re-establish your boundaries and to find nourishment in the spiritual and imaginal dimensions of your being.

Are you setting this up as a slide show? or maybe on an easel?

As a professional presenter for many years, I would suggest that you get some pictures/graphs (visuals) to go along with this.

This also seems way to much to cram into an hour. I used to give talks to groups of about 20 to 30 people and I covered much less material than this and it went more than 2 hours. Also, depending on who I was giving the talk to, I would give different examples.

Since you are talking to therapists, maybe instead of covering the sun in signs, cover what happens when people have a particular planets in the 12th house or the 8th house, or the 4th of home. All of these houses would have particular significance to a therapist/healing process.

Good Luck --

Is this going to be a hostile crowd, or sympathetic? Do they believe that astrology is about planets making things happen or that astrology is like the signs on the road and the signs of the seasons in the forest?

Did they tell you want they want to know about more than other things?

I would have so many questions about my audience before I just jumped in. Depending on the sphistication or science bend of the group will depend on what you want to present to them.

I agree marinka that you need an LCD projector and pcitures. I'd also recommend cartoons to lighten up the presentation.

Thanks Zarathu. The crowd will be friendly, with a high proportion of people who are broad-minded about things like astrology. If they have misconceptions about what astrology can and cannot do, then hopefully they'll leave the talk with a better understanding.

Hi Marinka. My reply to your post doesn't seem to have been logged. I'll do it again..

Thanks for your comments. I will have a projector so that everyone can see what I'm talking about. I'll probably project the Solarfire astro-clock during the main talk, and then obviously put the example chart up at the end.

I'll check that I can fit it all in, but I want to cover as much ground as possible, and will make the above essay available to anyone who wants to go through it a second time.

The Sun sign thing is intended to give everyone something to go away with - some personal development homework which will be a personal example of how astrology can be used. Although some of the people there will get 'professional development points' for turning up, they won't be using astrology therapeutically following the talk.

Hi Miquar,

Like Marinka I did the 2-hour group/institute 40-100 people circuit for many years and I learnt from each one by listening to the comments made after each!

You say that the group will be a friendly bunch. Yet they will be serious about what you have to say. Are you desiring to TEACH them astrology in an hour, or give them an INTERESTING TALK about the subject that captures their imagination? You mention an 'essay', yet I don't know if the group, without prior knowledge of some kind, will be able to follow such a technical report....or even want to. I learnt much from the elderly lady in the front row that fell asleep during one of my early talks!

Do you intend to read from script or through notes whilst looking up now and then at your audience? Contact is very important to keep the interest.

Taking a few books for a viewing table, hanging solar system pictures
/posters and, especially, writing down the Sun sign characteristics on A4 sheets and strategically placing them in various spots in the room/hall, will cut down on half of your written talk. People will be attracted to look at 'their' sign without having to listen to the other 11. If you should care to include the physical correspondences to each sign, I think this would be of particular interest for holistic therapists who must deal with such issues in their practices.

Describing each sign of an element as a progression of the previous kills two birds with one stone.....sign and temperament.

Do you have a sense of humour? Can you act? Using these to visually describe a sign can bring about nods of the head and reels of laughter, as can imaginary, example conversations between, e.g,. a Mercury, Venus and Mars through a different sign. It can make astrology live and breathe for your audience and can give your talk a very personal touch, as each individual recognises how and why their specific astrological make-up differs from that of another.

Your audience will really want to know HOW astrology works. If you have one, take your ephemeris with you to show them how an astrologer goes to work. I used to ask a guinea pig for a birth date and describe how the planetary functions could act through the characteristics of the sign they were in. You can still include the social and collective planet effects....which explain the generation gap!

On a 'business' note, leave a few calling cards on tables or chairs. You will know how successful your talk has been by the number of people coming up to talk to you afterwards and making...or later phoning...for a personal reading.

The circles to which I gave talks were more of a social nature. The ideas I used might not work if a more academic approach is required.

All the very best to you anyway. Good luck and success.

(Oooooh; got the itch to do it all again. )

I agree that without knowing much about the audience, it is hard to say if your talk is too in-depth. I agree that what you have will go well beyond an hour.

Also, astrology doesn't work on the physical plane - the planets don't effect us through their physical gravity from a billion miles away. There is a great deal about quantum mechanics that isn't understood - such as how just observing a particle can make it change state, how a particle can exist in two places simultaneously, or how one particle can directly affect another. I believe astrology works on this level, a more spiritual level, but we are a long long away from understanding this. Astrology, so far, along with quantum mechanics, is the best method we have at the moment for seeing the direct action of "God" or the "Universe" in our essentially illusory and formless lives (being that physical matter is 99.9% empty space).

The easiest way for the scientific bent ones to at least see an acceptance of it as a concept to is perceive it as a symbolic sign language.

The planets and stars and asteroids and aspects between them don't cause anything to happen. Quantum theory or string theory aside, I doubt that we'll ever know how the effect arises except to revert to theosophical arguments.

What I say to people is that when you are driving on the road in your car you are presented by many many signs: Road signs, billboards, other cars, distances between cars. None of these things cause you to drive in any certain way. The speed limit sign doesn't have some supernatural power over your right foot. The signs were put up by another outside force, and you can keep getting deeper and deeper into the reasons for the signs and the outside forces, both other people, and governments and the laws of physics, etc., which are varied and extremely convoluted. But in the end, the signs are there, and they represent stuff that you can read to gauge your actions while driving a car. some of the signs can be quite esoteric, like even the color of cars or the characteristics that you've observed by people driving in trucks(which might refer to asteroids or fixed stars in the astrology world of signs.)

What astrology consists, are road signs about how the universe is working, as they impact stuff that is our world: us, our actions, our bodies, our thoughts and feelings in our brains, the weather, the stock market, and even earthquakes. Astrology is the science of reading the symbolic signs. The signs don't cause anything. They are simply signs that we can read.

know your audience, to miquar

miquar,

You said:

miquar said:

A talk written for non-astrologers...I've been asked to give a[n astrological] talk at a local group of holistic therapists...I only have an hour to try to say all this, and also look at an example chart, so I've had to keep it short.

Click to expand...

You touched on my other love...public speaking! As a public speaking coach, I've seen many speakers with this problem...having to speak to an audience and not being sure of what to do. I advise them all the same thing...focus on the audience first!

You are not speaking to "non-astrologers". You are speaking to "holistic therapists". What do "holistic therapists" do? What are holistic therapists interested in? What is a typical case for a holistic therapist?

Here are some places to begin your research:
http://www.ahha.org/
http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/what-is-holistic-medicine

After you know your audience, decide what you want to tell them using the "premise formula":
Any __________________ can _______________ by _________________

Perhaps in your speech this is:
Any holistic therapist can become better at their job by understanding astrological basics

Once you understand your audience and your premise, you know what to say: say something that directly connects and is relevant to that audience and is relevant to your premise. One way to do that is to draw an analogy.

For example you could start out your talk by saying something like:
"Just as you would never treat a patient without understanding their background in depth, so an astrologer would never decide about someone’s character without knowing their astrological chart."

Follow that up with a benefit of direct relevance to them:
"Understanding astrological basics will help you quickly recognize possible issues and challenges your patients may have."

Once you have "hooked them" in this way, give them a few astrological basics that they can leave and instantly apply in their practice. Nothing in depth, just something they can quickly understand and apply (e.g., look for red lines in the chart to indicate stress).

Remember people will only remember a SMALL part of what you present. What do you want them to walk away with? How will your presentation improve them, their life, and their practice? THAT'S what you want to emphasize over and over again in your talk.

Good luck!

Talking of talking,

Tim

More info:
http://publicspeakinglibrary.info

Very impressive, miquar! You have a talent for conveying a complex subject in easy-to-follow steps.

Just a few suggestions.

1. I am glad you will be using graphics, as anyone unfamiliar with astrology will get a better grasp if they can visualize what you describe. Some people learn better through visual means than audio means. Have you got a budget for handouts that they can take home?

2. Many people are confused by the difference between constellations and signs. This would be a good point to clarify.

3. You wrote:

Astrology is based on the correlation of celestial motions with terrestrial events and experiences. There is as yet no full scientific explanation of why such a correlation exists, but as modern science becomes increasingly holistic in its outlook, and as technological advances allow the observation of previously invisible forces, it is only a matter of time before such an explanation materialises.

Click to expand...

I, and some other astrologers part ways with you here. I think astrology works holistically-- but metaphysically. There are no "invisible forces" to explain why natal Venus in Scorpio is associated with jealousy; why progressions should work, or why horary astrology works in the hands of a skilled practitioner. The cause-and-effect doesn't exist somehow up in the sky, and seemingly contradicts a holistic explanation. And let's face it, oftentimes astrology doesn't work well at all. Note the famous astro-bloopers throughout history.

4. I am not sure a non-astrologer audience would get the finer points of house division. The axes, yes-- but then maybe just say there are different methods of dividing up the houses. Whole signs and porphyry are easy to grasp.

5. You wrote:

Furthermore, there is also an uncanny tendency for us to be born into environments which actually do reflect very closely the reality which we are predisposed to expect.

Click to expand...

Can you revise this? It could very easily be mistaken for a "blame the victim" mentality. We cannot say that a baby with serious birth defects, born into poverty, was "predisposed" to choose this reality. Big non-sequitur here!

6. You wrote,

Neither the level of consciousness of the individual or caregivers during the formative years, nor the level of consciousness of the individual at any time in the individual’s life, can be discerned using astrology.

Click to expand...

You raise an important point, about things that a chart cannot tell you. We don't know the native's sex or ethnicity without supplementary information, for example. I think you can say something about a person's early childhood conditioning, however, from the 4th house. Heavy, afflicted planets there, for instance, can indicate a difficult childhood.

7. I personally dislike solar houses, because they are completely erroneous unless the person happens to have the sun in the first house. I think you do make an excellent point that sun-sign astrology is a big over-simplification of what an astrologer actually does. Personally I would distance myself from newpaper column astrology because it understandably is a major source of the scepticism that a lot of the public feels towards astrology.

8. Then rather than revisiting the sun-sign astrology available in any popular astrology publication, why not take an actual horoscope of a figure who would be well-known to your audience, and walk them through an actual chart interpretation?

This way, maybe they will see how it could apply to their own practices.

But as others have noted, it is better to cram too little into a presentation than too much-- hopefully you are also timing yourself before you meet your audience, and that your Q & A session is in addition to your hour lecture.

Good luck miquar-- let us know how it goes!

(cough, ahem-- speaking as one who taught introductory courses to adults for over 30 years....)

Re: know your audience, to miquar

Thanks everyone for all the responses. I've read through them all carefully and have noted several things that I was naive about which I can no ponder.

I don't want to try to train anyone to use astrology in the tiny amount of time available. They each already have their disciplines and vocations, and even if they wanted to branch out into astrology, this talk would barely be the first small step. I'd like to think that if anyone was interested in dabbling in astrology, then the talk will give them a head-start compared to just picking up a book ans staring to read it. I also hope to give a sense of astrology as a serious subject, as some of the people there may have only encountered it through Sun sign columns.

I will definitely cut the talk down, but then make the final essay available for those who want to get more from the occasion. I'll leave the sign descriptions for people to read on their own, for instance - that should save ten or fifteen minutes.

I couldn't do the talk without mentioning mundane astrology, and it just so happens that the person who has volunteered her birth data for the example chart was born in July 1954, with an exact Sun Uranus Neptune Pluto configuration. There were lots of relevant things going on while the outers were making this configuration, for example the first rock'n'roll record was released, and the first colour television was manufactured. Rationing ended in Britain and the Dow Jones Index bettered its previous best, which was in 1929 just before the Wall Street Crash. Uranus and Neptune were exactly square, and there was a sense this year I think life getting better. There was lots of nuclear firsts too - a nuclear power station, a nuclear submarine and ground-breaking weapons testing - bringing in the Pluto theme to this time of new possibilities. All this stuff is on the 1954 page Wikipedia, with lots of other relevant stuff to do with natural disasters and political change.

And it turns out that Angela Merkel, who used to be Minister for the Environment and Nuclear Safety, was born about 24 hours after the volunteer, with the same rising sign. I have a feeling that the volunteer was likely a CND activist, partly because of the Sun Uranus conjunction and partly because she has Saturn culminating in Scorpio squaring the Moon in Aquarius - so I might venture it as a possible expression of the chart.

Well thanks again for all the help. I'll do my best, and then try and learn from it ready for a talk I've been asked to do at a local Women's Institute meeting in June...

Re: know your audience, to miquar

Hi Waybread. I think our posts just crossed.

Thanks for the encouragement. Yes, that line about the synchronicity between chart and early environment is clumsy and I'll revise it.

I'll make the final essay (that I'll use for guidance during the talk) available via email, so this will be a kind of handout, and give people a chance to go over what has been discussed.

It probably would have been easier to do a celeb chart, but I have a volunteer from the group to do a a very short sample reading for - I'm especially nervous about that bit, which is probably why I put so much into the other part of the talk, so that there's only about ten minutes left for the sample reading!

I'll add a mention of the constellations when I touch on the difference between the tropical and sidereal zodiacs. Which reminds me, I was expecting JupAsc to come on the thread and remind me to devote a large chunk of the talk to traditional astrology!

And yes, I'll approach the 'scientific proof' part a bit differently.

Thanks again for going through it so systematically.

Hi again Miquar,
I'm a member of your audience with absolutely no knowledge of astrology and listening to your talk.

Remembering that you have only an hour to keep my interest I have taken a liberty, which you can take or leave, as you see fit.

What is in mauve, you could leave out. It adds nothing 'extra' to what you are saying.
Is what is in green absolutely necessary'?. Could you change the text a little? Say as much in less words?

miquar said:

Astrology is based on the correlation of celestial motions with terrestrial events and experiences. There is as yet no full scientific explanation of why such a correlation exists, but as modern science becomes increasingly holistic in its outlook, and as technological advances allow the observation of previously invisible forces, it is only a matter of time before such an explanation materialises.

Our distant ancestors realised that the motions of lights in the sky are cyclical and orderly, and then began to notice that a similar terrestrial event or experience would tend to recur each time a particular point in a celestial cycle was reached. A very obvious example of this is the way in which the lunar cycle reflects various agricultural, meteorological, biological and behavioural cycles.

In the interpretation of celestial cycles, four types of factors are considered: celestial bodies, zodiacal signs, houses and aspects.

Celestial Bodies

In astrology, a celestial body is a symbol of a function operating within the entity or situation being considered. The most important celestial bodies in astrological interpretation are the Sun and Moon, the seven planets which share the solar system with Earth, and Pluto – the first kuiper belt object to be discovered. Many astrologers also use other kuiper belt objects and also some of the many asteroids in our solar system. Chiron, whose orbit lies between those of Saturn and Uranus, is particularly widely used.

In the case of an individual, these functions are experienced as psychological drives. The Sun symbolises the drive to blossom and shine as a unique individual; the Moon symbolises the drive for sustainment, both psychological and physiological; Mercury symbolises the drive to translate perceptions into understanding, and to exchange ideas with others; Venus symbolises the drive to experience harmony and value, both internally and externally; and Mars symbolises the fighting spirit with which we assert our individuality and pursue our desires. These planets are called personal planets; they are concerned with the individual personality and with personal values.

The next planets, Jupiter and Saturn, are called the social planets; they symbolise functions through which the individual integrates into society and the wider world. Jupiter symbolises the drive to expand, and to align oneself with some greater power or plan (be it social or spiritual); and Saturn symbolises the drive to know one’s true nature and thereby to perform, with integrity, a useful role in a collective.

Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are called the outer planets; they are not visible to the naked eye, and symbolise functions which operate from the collective unconscious to bring transformation to the lives of individuals and also to collectives. Uranus symbolises the drive for innovation and truth; Neptune symbolises the drive for blissful unity with the rest of life; Pluto symbolises the drive to heal or purge that which prevents growth.

The movement of the outer planets through the signs of the zodiac, and the patterns they make with one another, symbolise shifts in collective consciousness: Uranus’ position reflects newly emerging ideas and principles; Neptune’s position reflects newly emerging moods in fashion, cinema and spirituality; and Pluto’s position reflects the kind of purging processes in which humanity is currently engaged. The Arab Spring, the parliamentary expenses scandal, the financial crash (and the consequent exposure of the practises of banks and corporations through the financial crash) are all very clearly reflected in the current positions of the outer planets – most notably by the sign positions between Uranus and Pluto and the 90 degree angle currently between them, as viewed from Earth.

The placement of the outer planets in an individual’s chart shows how she or he can best act, potentially at least, as a channel for changes to the collective, and also how the forces of the collective unconscious will prevent her or his consciousness from stagnating.

Signs

Zodiacal signs are measured along the ecliptic, which is the path which the Sun appears to follow around the Earth. The signs most commonly used in the West are the twelve signs of the Tropical Zodiac. In this zodiac, the first point of Aries is defined as the point occupied by the Sun at the March equinox. Consequently, the Sun occupies: the first point of tropical Cancer at the June solstice; the first point of tropical Libra at the September solstice; and the first point of tropical Capricorn at the December solstice. These points are referred to as the cardinal points of the zodiacal cycle.

The Tropical Zodiac is thus a product of the inclination of the Earth’s equator to the plane of its orbit around the Sun. We experience the Sun’s movement through the Tropical Zodiac as the seasonal cycle. As the Sun appears to move north and south of the equator during this cycle, the activity of the natural world is adjusted. Such practises as germination and hibernation are obvious examples of how different activities must be prioritised at different times of the year in order that an individual plant or animal, and its species as a whole, has the best chances of surviving from one year to the next.

Each celestial body is involved in its own zodiacal cycle. Astrologically, this means that the values and priorities of a function are reflected in the sign placement of the corresponding celestial body. Discussion of why the tropical zodiac applies to all locations on Earth, even though the seasonal cycle is only reflected by the Sun’s zodiacal sign for northern hemisphere locations is beyond the scope of this short talk.

Eastern astrologers are more likely to use the Sidereal Zodiac, which is defined by the positions of fixed stars. However, there is disagreement about where the first point of sidereal Aries is placed, and dozens of sidereal zodiacs have been proposed.

Houses

Each location on the surface of the Earth has its own rational horizon plane which passes through the centre of the Earth and which is perpendicular to a vertical line passing through the location. The point of the zodiac which is emerging above the horizon to the east at a given moment in time is called the ascendant, while the point of the zodiac which is setting below the horizon to the west is called the descendant. The point of the zodiac which is highest above the rational horizon plane is called the midheaven or MC, while the point of the zodiac which is lowest below the horizon is called the lower heaven or IC. These points are referred to as the angles.

Note that while zodiacal positions of celestial bodies are the same for all locations on Earth, the zodiacal positions of the angles vary according to location. A chart cast for a location in England would be approximately upside down compared to a chart cast for the same moment in time for a location in Australia.

There are many ways of dividing the chart into twelve houses. Quadrant house systems take the ascendant as the first point of the first house, the IC as the first point of the fourth house, the descendant as the first point of the seventh house, and the MC as the first point of the 10th house. Like the zodiacal cycle, the house cycle is divided into twelve segments – the reasons for this are beyond the scope of this talk.

Where the zodiacal cycle reflects changes in the expression of the life-force throughout the seasonal cycle, the house cycle reflects the experience of the alternation of night and day. Each house symbolises a particular type of experience – a particular area of life. Each house offers a different perspective on oneself – a different standpoint from which to become more conscious of who one is. The house placement of a celestial body or a zodiacal sign shows the area of life in which the individual will tend to meet, and most naturally express, the functions and values represented by those bodies and signs. An empty house does not mean that the corresponding area of life will be insignificant or barren, however.

Aspects

When two celestial bodies occupy the same zodiacal degree, as seen from Earth, they are said to form an aspect called a conjunction. The angle between the bodies then increases as the faster-moving body moves away. When they occupy opposite zodiacal degrees, the two bodies are said to form an opposition aspect, after which time they will eventually form another conjunction aspect. Between conjunctions and oppositions, innumerable other aspects are formed – each time the angle between them (as seen from Earth) is a factor of 360 degrees. For example, a square aspect involves a separation of 90 degrees, which is one quarter of the full circle.

We see the aspect cycle of the Sun and Moon very clearly in the changing phases of the Moon. The New Moon occurs at a conjunction between the Sun and Moon; the first quarter at a square aspect; the full Moon at the opposition aspect; and the last quarter at another square aspect.

An aspect between two celestial bodies indicates that the functions symbolised tend to act together – that there is a strong connection between them. The number by which the circle is divided to yield a particular aspect shows the ‘flavour’ of this connection. As an example, the opposition aspect occurs between two celestial bodies when they are one half of a circle away from one another, and so this aspect carries the meaning of the number two. Since the number two (and thus the 2nd harmonic) signifies polarity, celestial bodies in opposition aspect suggest that the functions symbolised by those bodies are polarised with respect to one another. Thus, conscious effort may be needed to reconcile an apparent conflict between the functions, thereby transforming the conflict into a dynamic partnership based on objective understanding.

Aspects don’t have to be exact to be significant; the deviation from exactitude is called an orb. The closer the aspect is to exact, the stronger the connection between the corresponding functions; astrologers differ in their opinions on what orb is allowable before the aspect becomes insignificant.

The sign and house placements of the celestial bodies, and the angular relationships between them, as seen from Earth, are continually changing. But when a new entity comes into being – be it an individual, a relationship, a business, a group or a nation state – the quality of energy represented by each placement is somehow embodied in the entity. For example, Venus may be at the 3rd degree of Pisces in its zodiacal cycle, in the first house in its house cycle, and at the opposition stage of its aspect cycle with Pluto. All of the factors shown in the birth chart (plus many more which are excluded because both astrologer and client would be overwhelmed by the amount of information!) together comprise the energy pattern embodied by the entity.

When an astrologer chooses a time to begin something, with the aim of instilling that thing with a favourable energy pattern, this is called Electional Astrology.

The interpretation or attempted prediction of a political or sociological event or trend, or an accident such as a crash, is called Mundane Astrology.

When an astrology tries to answer a particular question by casting a chart for the time and place at which the question is asked, this is called Horary Astrology.

Psychological astrology involves the interpretation of the birth chart of an individual or a small group of interacting individuals. An individual’s birth chart shows her or his predisposition to experience life in a particular way. Through mechanisms such as selective perception, projection and ‘self-fulfilling prophecy’ the predisposition shown in the birth chart gives rise to an experience of reality which reflects the patterns of the chart. Furthermore, there is also an uncanny tendency for us to be born into environments which actually do reflect very closely the reality which we are predisposed to expect.

This raises the issue of fate and free will. On the one hand the birth chart does reflect a kind of fate, but on the other hand, we are free to choose how to express the potentials shown in the chart. The level of consciousness of the individual determines how creatively this will be done, and this initially depends partly on the level of consciousness of early care-givers and of the community and society in which the individual is brought up. Neither the level of consciousness of the individual or caregivers during the formative years, nor the level of consciousness of the individual at any time in the individual’s life, can be discerned using astrology.

It is the aim of psychological astrology to assist an individual in becoming more conscious of her or his predisposition, so that she or he can express it more creatively, and any destructive and painful patterns which emerged during the formative years need not be endlessly repeated as fears, difficult relationship dynamics, physical symptoms, and so on. Blind spots can be illuminated, and projections taken back. Self-defeating attitudes can be exposed and more creative ways found to express the initially troublesome features of the individual’s nature.

The basic similarity of all birth charts reminds us that we all depend on the effective operation of the same functions, and that we all contain the same spectrum of values (signs) and encounter the same types of experiences (houses). And yet we are of course also reminded by astrology that we each carry a unique combination of strengths, values, needs and sensitivities. Since astrological symbolism separates experience into different categories, it is a kind of typology, similar to that used by the Jungian analyst or the Reichian therapist. Even where an individual’s birth chart is unavailable, those who are familiar with astrological symbolism can often spot the tell-tale signs of a particular type, and thus understand the deeper needs and motivations which underlie an individual’s behaviour.

Astrology can potentially be used along side any school of psychological or spiritual thought, since it does not, in itself, propose a model of why things are as they are, what we can do to change things for the better, or indeed what ‘better’ means. In fact astrology is best used in conjunction with something more directly existential, for instance a therapeutic model or a particular spiritual path. Humanistic psychology, and also thinking in terms of subpersonalities, both fit especially well with astrological symbolism. Jungian psychology is also widely used by astrologers. Jung used astrology in his work as an analyst, and Jungian psychology draws heavily from the same archetypes and myths which are represented by the celestial bodies and signs in astrological symbolism. The Jungian functions of consciousness also correspond to the four elements: fire, earth, air and water, which are each represented by three signs on the zodiac wheel:

Fire Earth Air Water
Cardinal Aries Capricorn Libra Cancer
Fixed Leo Taurus Aquarius Scorpio
Mutable Sagittarius Virgo Gemini Pisces

Fire corresponds to the intuitive function, earth to the sensation function, air to the thinking function, and water to the feeling function. Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable represent the three modes in which each element can be expressed. Cardinality is dynamic and direct, Fixity is persistent and focused, and Mutability seeks synthesis and understanding.

Although astrology does not carry its own value-system, we can see in the birth charts of pioneers such as Freud, Jung, Einstein or Marx how their work was influenced by the values inherent in their predisposition. There is nothing in a chart that one could use to reliably predict that an individual will become, say, a psychologist or a scientist, but we invariably see correlations between predisposition and their particular approach to their chosen field of study. We can also look at our own charts and notice that we often share the same biases as the initiators of our preferred schools of thought.

The birth chart is with an individual for the entirety of her or his life, but there are other astrological tools which show how the individual will tend to experience life differently at different times. In other words how particular facets of the basic blue-print will be prompted to blossom in particular ways at particular times. The ways in which these processes will be fleshed out in actual experience cannot be known from astrological techniques alone. No transit is inherently easy or difficult, and of course difficult experiences are often the most growthful.

Transits are the motions of celestial bodies in real time. Following birth, the celestial bodies continue in their various motions, making aspects to the individual’s natal planets as they do so. For example, if an individual is born with Mercury in the 10th degree of the sign of Aquarius, then as Pluto moves across that degree, we would say that transiting Pluto is conjuncting the individual’s natal Mercury. As with natal aspects, there is a range or orb within which the transiting aspect is significant.

Some transits are linked to a particular age in all people, because they involve aspects between a transiting planet and its natal position. The most significant of these are Saturn and Uranus. Saturn makes a particularly strong aspect to its natal position approximately every 7 years. Uranus opposes its natal position around age 42, and this transit is the main astrological significator of the mid-life crisis. Aspects between a transiting planet and a different natal planet are not universally tied to a particular age.

There are various other means of moving planets forward following birth, most notably secondary progressions. Using this technique, planetary motion during the day following birth is seen to reflect the unfolding of the potential shown in the birth chart during the year following birth. This rather strange notion works surprisingly well; it is as though a recording of unfolding cycles is made at a speed of one revolution per day, and played back at a speed of one revolution per year, with both the recording and the play-back beginning at the moment of birth.

We are often aware that a particular theme is prevalent in our lives during a particular time span, and this may manifest in part as a tendency to meet a particular type of person. Those who are involved in one-to-one work in a helping profession may be particularly aware such themes. Such themes are reflected in transits and progressions to the birth chart, reminding us that when helper and client meet, the encounter can be timely and creative for both.

Another tool available to the astrologer is synastry, by which two charts are compared to see how the two entities will affect one another. The predispositions (i.e. temperaments) of the entities can be compared, and aspects between planets in one chart and planets in the other can be interpreted. The astrologer can also draw up a new chart which is a composite of the two charts. This composite chart is also ‘susceptible’ to transits, and to synastry contacts with natal charts (including the natal charts of the people in the relationship).

Thus, when another entity ‘pushes a button’ for us, positively or negatively, we can find astrological significators for this which help to clarify what we are supposed to learn about ourselves from the encounter.

Synastry also accounts for the phenomenon whereby an individual loses a lover to a friend or sibling, etc. If there are strong aspects between the individual’s chart and the chart of her/his lover, and there are also strong aspects between the individual’s chart and her/his friend or sibling, then there will probably be strong aspects between the lover and the friend/sibling. The ‘change-over’ period will be accompanied by transits to relevant placements in the natal and composite charts involved.

If an individual has changed location since birth, an astrologer might also cast a relocation chart, which is a chart cast for the moment of birth, but cast as though the individual had been born in her or his new location. The original birth chart remains the fundamental reference, but additional information about how the individual will experience life in her or his new location can be gleaned from the relocation chart. Sign positions of celestial bodies, and the aspects between them, remain as in the natal chart – only the angles and house cusps move, which alters the house placements of the celestial bodies and signs.

We can see from the amount of detail in even this very basic chart, that Sun-sign columns are relatively crude. These columns are based on sound principles, however, and are often written by competent and experienced astrologers. Sun-sign astrology is based on the idea of solar houses, whereby the sign of the Sun is called the first solar house, the next sign is called the second solar house, and so on. For example, if Mars conjuncts Uranus in Leo, then those with Sun in Taurus might be warned to look out for accidents at home, because if Taurus is the first solar house, then Leo is the fourth, and the fourth house (solar or otherwise) symbolises, amongst other things, one’s experience of home-life.

Sun sign astrology works to some extent partly because the Sun symbolises such an important function in the psyche – as reflected by the fact that it’s gravity holds the solar system together and its energy makes possible life on Earth. But any positive effect which a Sun sign column has on the reader is likely to be because it is written in a way which reminds each individual of their core values and path to greater vitality – as symbolised by the Sun’s sign at birth – not because of predictive accuracy.

The more we honour the values of our Sun sign, the more we revitalise ourselves, the more joyful we feel, and the more confidence we have to be true to the creative life-force which radiates out from the centre of our being.

While all parts of the chart should be honoured, failure to honour the Sun has a particularly negative effect on individual’s health and happiness. In a birth chart, there are other factors besides zodiacal sign-placement which are relevant to our solar needs, but nonetheless, every single one of us can benefit by making a conscious effort to cultivate the qualities of our Sun-sign.

If you can also relate to other signs, you were probably born with other celestial bodies in those signs, and/or with the celestial bodies which have affinity with those signs prominently placed.

If you were born with the Sun in Aries, you are revitalised when acting with courage and initiative, especially when this is done in a forthright and honourable manner. If you find this difficult, try to learn more about what inhibits you. If you already express these qualities frequently, check out whether you do so compulsively and if so whether you harbour doubts about your strength and your ability to stand alone. Some people with this placement benefit greatly from physical activity.

If you were born with the Sun in Taurus, you are revitalised when making creative use of your talents and resources, especially when this has the effect of enhancing the stability and simplicity of your life. When doing this, notice if you are affected by issues of confidence and self-worth, which may manifest as stubbornness or acquisitiveness. Many people with this placement feel better for spending in nature, or by nourishing the senses in some other way.

If you were born with the Sun in Gemini, you are revitalised by learning about something which interests you, especially if this involves increasing your network of contacts. Notice whether you are inhibited by doubts about your ability to learn and articulate ideas. Also notice whether you stick too rigidly to your existing understanding, or whether your curiosity ever becomes frantic and compulsive.

If you were born with the Sun in Cancer, you are revitalised as you become more conscious of your feelings and instinctual responses. Having done this, let your attention be directed to the nurture of yourself, another, or some budding project which begins to take shape within the womb of your imagination. Notice any strong feelings of attachment to particular people, locations or situations – these may arise from a lack of confidence in your capacity for self-nurture, and a lack of trust of life in general.

If you were born with the Sun in Leo you are revitalised by simply being yourself. Acts of wholehearted self-expression are your way of witnessing and celebrating the creative power at the centre of your being. Notice how you feel when it is someone else’s turn of another to shine, and if you easily become despondent in the absence of an appreciative audience. Any pretence of invulnerability is probably an indication of deep-seated confidence issues which require careful examination.

If you were born with the Sun in Virgo, you are revitalised as you harmonise with the rhythms and requirements of nature and the material world. You shine most brightly when developing your skills, and when cleansing your body and psyche of impurities which impede your efficiency. Notice any intolerance of disorder and disruption, and any tendency toward destructive criticism of yourself or others. If the cleansing or organisation of yourself or your environment becomes frantic, try to slow down, relinquish control, and look at the underlying fears.

If you were born with the Sun in Libra you are revitalised when embodying your ideals of co-operative living and social harmony. This is especially so when you have a new idea to contribute to a group in which you participate. Notice if a strong need to harmonise with others prevents you from being true to your individual needs and values, or prevents your from fighting for your ideals. Notice also if you try to fulfil most of your idealism through a romantic relationship, rather than participating creatively in the life of a larger group.

If you were born with the Sun in Scorpio, you are revitalised when you allow intense feelings into consciousness, especially when you do not try to lessen the intensity of the experience by trying to control some feature of the world around you, or by giving your power away to someone else. As you gain more trust in the process of transformation and empowerment through surrender, you enhance your natural ability to forge mutually healing relationships with others, and to play a creative role in the transformation of society as a whole.

If you were born with the Sun in Sagittarius, you are revitalised by viewing your own experiences in the broader context of a belief system or a philosophy of life. Ideally, this will infuse your life with a sense of meaningfulness and optimism, and provide a moral compass with which to navigate. Notice if you get too wrapped up in maintaining this perspective – warning signs include: ignoring practical necessities, applying intuition in a child-like manner where either instinct, logic or pragmatism would be more appropriate, and lacking tolerance of alternative views.

If you were born with the Sun in Capricorn you are revitalised by applying self-discipline in the achievement of a goal. This is especially growthful when you are able to cultivate an increasing sense of integrity, while at the same offering yourself as a disciple to a greater power, or a contributor to a group or society. Notice any tendency to conform excessively to the expectations of others, to shy away from trying to achieve your ambitions, or to hunger for personal prestige and power. All of these issues arise from fears which typically inhibit or distort the creative potentials of this sign.

If you were born with the Sun in Aquarius, you are revitalised when opening your mind to the ideas and ideals which are either established or newly emerging in a particular group. This will usually involve interacting with other like-minded people who share your interests, and especially those who share your vision for a better world. You shine most brightly when being loyal to an ideal, especially when you are also able to respect those who do not share it, and accept that a human individual never measures up to a perfect ideal of human potential.

If you were born with the Sun in Pisces, you are revitalised as you feel at-one with all life, and when you are helping to lay to rest the confusion and suffering which haunt the group or collective of which you are part. However, you are at your best when you remain conscious of your own needs, and when the offering of your artistic inspiration and compassion to others is also an act of individual self-expression. Notice when you need to spend time away from others to re-establish your boundaries and to find nourishment in the spiritual and imaginal dimensions of your being.

Click to expand...

Hi. Thanks very much for that. I was thinking of putting the less important parts in italics when I print out my copy for the event so that I know not to worry about including those parts. And I'll look at all the green bits and reconsider the wording.

Thanks again

Hi. Thanks again for all the helpful advice. I thought it went well for a first time - I think my pulse-rate was almost back to normal by about half-way through! I'll definitely have to make it a bit less technical next time, though.

The person who gave their chart to use as an example didn't turn up! So I had to compute a chart there and then and talk about it, but only for about ten minutes because time was running out. IT was fine, though. But an hour is nothing when it comes to introducing people to astrology!

Thanks again for all the support.