EXALTATION, DETRIMENT AND FALL

Along with a planet located in its natural sign (which is very strong and works positively), a planet can also be in exaltation, detriment or fall.  A planet is very at home when located within its natural ruling sign.  The energy of the planet is released easily and finds avenues of expression that suit it. 

When a planet is in exaltation, it is comfortable and utilizes the energies well.  It is provided with strength and its energy is released in a positive manner.  The Sun in Aries, the Moon in Taurus, Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn in Libra, Mars in Capricorn and Venus in Pisces are all indicators of planets in exaltation.  They are able to work more easily with less restriction and function on the high level of that planets energy.

A planet in detriment is suggestive of a planet that does not function very well in a sign.   It has difficulty releasing its energies and is said to be rather negative in its function.  It has to work very hard to achieve what could be much easier to release if it were in exaltation.  Its action is considered negative in that there is difficulty in its expression.  It is weakened due to the sign it is operating in and in some cases if not properly channeled can almost make its natural function absent.  The Sun is in detriment in the sign of Aquarius, the Moon is in detriment in the sign Saturn, Mercury is in detriment in the signs of Pisces and Sagittarius, Venus is in detriment in the signs Aries and Scorpio, Mars is in detriment in the signs Libra and Taurus, Jupiter is in detriment in the sign Virgo and Saturn is in detriment in the signs Leo and Virgo.

When a planet is in its fall, it is incapacitated by the sign and loses all its strength and the energy of the planet is severely restricted.  The energy has a very difficult time releasing and it functions on a very limited basis.  The Sun is in its fall in the sign Libra, the Moon is in its fall in Scorpio, Venus is in its fall in the sign Virgo, Mars is in its fall in the sign Cancer, Jupiter is in its fall in Capricorn and Saturn is in its fall in Aries.  Although these planets are in what is termed their fall, they can be modified by stronger influences within the horoscope and the Sun in Libra may be the easiest to soften.

These indicators are not to be over-accentuated but should be used in moderation when deciphering an Astrology Chart.  They do, however, provide reliable clues with respect to the planetary energies and their release.  The Planets in detriment and in their fall need more maintenance, and you should take into consideration how this may stifle the individual’s expression.  You will need to evaluate the overall Chart and find positive ways to relinquish the challenge that some of these positions may indicate.  

If an individual had several planets in detriment and/or in fall, there may be underlying implications that are affecting the self-expression or challenging them to find their path in life.  It would indicate a life that may be filled with challenging situations and obstacles, but these life interferences would undoubtedly push individuals to try even harder to make sense of it all.  These individuals would gain strength as they overcome these obstacles in their life.  There are no bad aspects in a Chart.  There are only challenging conditions that will require attentiveness and assertive action to overcome. 

Use this information as a guideline not as a definitive stranglehold on an individual’s overall development or in contrary, ease in development.     

Visit Holm Astrology at www.facebook.com/HolmAstrology for more information on Astrology and to read our food for thought posts.  If you would like to keep your questions confidential or would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please contact us at holmastrology@gmail.com

PEER PRESSURE AND THE UNFOLDING STORY OF YOU

Most everyone at one point or another succumbs to some form of peer pressure.  Although peer pressure carries far more weight in our formative years, many are influence during their adult years.  Being acceptable to our friends is important and at times we can stray far from our true character to feel as though we fit in.

At some point, we begin to understand the importance of our own uniqueness.  It is at that point that we slowly allow the false face to dissipate and we become confident in who we are and what we stand for.  The fact is that no one knows or sees us the way we do.  We are only denying ourselves when we display a different image to each individual we meet. 

When we truly live our lives on purposes, we only have one person to answer to and that is ourselves.  If we were to ask ten people to define us, we would get ten completely different descriptions.  We do not have control over these opinions.  You do, however, have control over your own opinion of you.  Ask yourself, “Who am I really trying to please”?

Many individuals lose themselves along the way when trying to be someone they are not.  Eventually, for our own happiness and contentment, we must come to grips with who we truly are.  Many of us have been on that great search for self and many more are still looking.  Do not be afraid to self examine.  Without self examination, we are lost within ourselves.  If we are truly honest with ourselves, we would come to the conclusion that the best person we can be is ourselves.

Accepting who we are is a very significant step in self-realization.  The difficulty lies in facing those qualities that we dislike.  Self-awareness is a process that can be painful at times, but confronting our less desirable characteristics is the first step needed for true change (not masking the issue).  We cannot make changes without being aware of what changes need to be made.

Again, being truly honest with yourself (you need to look at this from all angles), you will discover character traits that are quite admirable.  These strengths are truly you.  Take a moment and write down with complete honesty your challenging personality characteristics as well as your more encouraging character traits.  This initiates the process.   Acknowledgement is always step one.  As you uncover these characteristics decide whether you want them to be part of the true you or are they something that you want to toss away and no longer identify with.

Each time you notice these habits or traits you are eliminating in your life, remind yourself that these are not who you are and that you no longer identify with them.  It takes time to form habits and it will take time for this elimination process to come to fruition. 

Once we have conquered our first hurdle, we can repeat the process and do another review.  It does take time, but it is well worth the effort.  Happiness comes from releasing this unwanted baggage from our identity so that we can be who we truly are.  If we are unhappy with our lives, the true person is not being allowed to shine through. 

Do not follow the crowd.  If you do, will you be happy with yourself when the crowd is not with you?  Be yourself always.  YOU are the best person for you to experience this life with!     

Visit Holm Astrology at www.facebook.com/HolmAstrology for information on Astrology and to read more of our food-for-thought posts.  If you would like to keep your questions confidential or would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please contact us at holmastrology@gmail.com

APPLYING AND SEPARATING ASPECTS IN THE NATAL CHART

There are three different delineations in a Birth Chart when it comes to planetary movement at the precise time of our birth.  These are termed applying aspects, (planets moving together to form an aspect) separating aspects, (planets moving away from one another) and stationary aspects, (planets that have been in retrograde motion and are now motionless.  We are going to take a look at the applying and separating aspects in the Natal Chart.

Unless a Planet is stationary at birth, it will either be forming an aspect with another planet or separating from an aspect to another planet.  The closer the aspect is to being exact, the stronger its influence in our lives. 

Many Astrologers believe that a separating aspect deals with past events, or if you like, finished business--something that has already been dealt with and will eventually fade over time.  Some believe that the acknowledgement and correction took place before birth, and we have already made adjustments to overcome whatever the two planets involve describe.

Astrologers understand this significance and will define its intensity and help delineate the meaning of any particular influence in the Birth Chart. 

When planets are applying, it is understood that the faster moving planet that is going to make the aspect is moving towards the slower moving planet.  This suggests unfinished business that will have to be rectified during the course of the lifetime.  Once again the closer the aspect, the more apparent and pressing the energies of the planets involved.  We have come into this life to unfold the meaning and address this apparent issue and come to terms with whatever the planets and aspects suggest.

The applying aspects become stronger as time passes.  They intensify and push us in directions that will assist us in defining the apparent circumstances involving these two planetary energies.  These conditions are dealt with after birth.  Applying aspects are suggestive of future endeavours that should be approached and dealt with.  This is not to say that all aspects between planets are challenging; far from it.  You have to examine the planets involved and decipher how well they work together as well as what aspects are involved before making a judgement call on how the energies will affect one another.

Remember the tighter the aspect, the more significant its influence on our lives.  When deciphering a Chart, it is very important to take this into consideration.  For example, a conjunction between Mars and Pluto is a very strong aspect, but if the planets are separating from one another and are out by 8 degrees then the aspect would have less influence in our life.  Let say that Venus conjuncts the Sun in your birth chart.  This is a much softer aspect than the Mars Pluto aspect but if Venus conjunct the Sun is applying and only out by 23 minutes, this aspect would have a far greater influence than the aspect between Mars and Pluto.

For further information and significant delineation on applying and separating aspects within your Birth chart, do not hesitate to contact Holm Astrology to commission a Chart.      

Visit Holm Astrology at www.facebook.com/HolmAstrologyy for more information on Astrology and to read our food for thought posts. If you would like to keep your questions confidential or would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please contact us at holmastrology@gmail.com

CROSSROADS OF LIFE

How have you been withstanding the pressures of life?  You have overcome all obstacles to get to where you are today and you are still standing tall. 

 

It is amazing just how resilient we are.  We can be standing on the threshold of an apparent mountain which we have allowed to make us feel as though we are at the mercy of life.  Suddenly, one small circumstance can change and we change our outlook which opens a door.  Once the door has been opened, we once again breathe in that familiar scent of victory over our attitude and as a result this permits us to overcome the dilemma that once seemed impenetrable.

 

When you think you are at your weakest point and are almost ready to give up the fight, you amazingly turn a corner and get a glimmer of hope.  Unfortunately some people never allow that offshoot of inspiration to sprout and grow within their being.  Some of us build walls and allow ourselves to become crushed by negative beliefs and old mind structures.  These only serve to denying us what is rightfully ours.

 

There are times when we can become our own greatest enemy, because we truly do not think that there is a way out.  These thoughts of disbelief become our greatest obstructions and they hold us back from overcoming.  We have to listen to the little voice that says you can get through this; the voice that assists you to find solace once again.  As long as we limit ourselves and become captive of these negative beliefs, we have little to no chance of overcoming any barrier.

 

We may blame our life’s circumstances on others.  There are times when others seem to intrude on our otherwise gentle lives and infiltrate the calm.  In reality, under most circumstances (not abusive ones),  it is our reaction to these individuals that steals our calm.  We can experience a bad relationship; we can have a difficult period with co-workers, family members may take paths in life that we as loved ones try to intervene.  All these things can bring us to places we really would rather not visit, let alone live in.  We must remember it is our attitude towards these people and their actions that cause our grief.

 

We all encounter tough life experiences and some can be excessively difficult to overcome.  It can be a tedious task to make it through some of these times and events.  Do not own other people’s actions or attitudes.  We can learn and grow from them but they are not to hold us captive.  We have to channel our focus on those things that allow us to experience happiness.  We can no more control someone else’s thoughts and actions than we can control our weather patterns.

 

Step back from other people’s experiences.  Stand tall and overcome your own challenges.  Put all thoughts and concerning in their proper place.  You truly have the strength to overcome anything.  Nothing, no matter how horrendous and challenging it may seem is beyond your emotional control.  You can overcome anything, but you have to believe that this is possible.  No one else can do this for you!

 

You will eventually defeat any emotional blockage that stands in your way and you will be all the better for it with new found strength and confidence that will carry you forward.  You are always ready to face any challenge life presents you with.  It is all about belief structure and expectations.  You are in control always.  How you handle life’s events is always up to you.  Understand and know that you are the victor and you can defeat even the toughest of life’s challenges.   Do not be a victim of your negative thoughts or your expectations.

               

Visit Holm Astrology at www.facebook.com/HolmAstrology for information on Astrology and to read our food-for-thought posts. If you would like to keep your questions confidential or would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please contact us at holmastrology@gmail.com

Natal Charts with Transits and Progressions Explained

We have had requests to define each of our Astrology charts offered.  The Chart which should be the starting point for self-study and understanding is the Natal or Birth Chart.  Most individuals however are interested in current events and would like their Charts to assist with decisions that need to be made today.

 

Natal or Birth charts shows what you are born with - both the talents and the challenges.  This Chart helps you to understand you predictive reactions to life’s events and defines your purpose in life.

 

The planets transit or move continually (each at its own rate of speed) and as they move, they connect to the planets in your Natal chart.

 

Progressing the plants in a Progressed chart shows larger trending events which will affect you for a more extensive time period than the Transits but speak primarily of internal changes.

 

Transits and Progressions are linked together and when they activate a birth aspect, predictable activities occur which relate to the planets in transit, the house the transitting planet is found in, the Natal House and Natal planet that they are linked to.

 

The Transitting planet and the Natal planet indicate the specific type of energy involved,

The House the Transitting planet is in indicated the most effective expression of the energy and

The Natal house is the area of life involved.

 

It is important to remember that the potential of any event lies within the Natal Chart and this is why it is imperative that a Natal Chart be prepared either before or with the Transits and Progressions.

 

These charts are personally prepared and the information is never pulled from a data source. They are extensive and in written form to assist you with referring back to the information and timing.

 

Visit Holm Astrology at www.facebook.com/HolmAstrology for more information on Astrology and to read our food-for-thought posts.   To commission a Chart, please contact us at holmastrology@gmail.com

 

Limiting Concepts

There are many individuals who utilize positive thinking in their daily living.  There are some who focus their attention on old outdated ways of thinking.  Many have led trapped lives caught in belief structures which inhibit their internal growth.  Many today realize these limitations and are turning their attention to alternate directions for the unfolding events that are continuously developing within their lives.

 

Many experience challenging conditions even though they believe that they are turning their focus in a more positive direction.  It is important to listen to your mind’s focus for if you believe that change is an impossible feat or that hard lessons are obstacles or barriers that keep getting in the way of progress, the development will not materialize.

 

Defeatist’s thoughts have long had a way of slipping into the forefront and it is so commonplace that it may be difficult at first to even catch these less than productive infiltrations into our positive missions.  We are meant to challenge life’s conditions and promote a better world and this must always begin within.  The very belief that you are meeting up with obstacles that hinder your progress undermines your potential success.  Listen to your thoughts and closely evaluate what the appropriate outcome would be under the conditions that you are adhering too.

 

You are creating blockages by what you think is or is not possible; life is not doing this.  You have been living under an illusion that you are at the mercy of life.  Life just is!  You are in control of the way you are handling life’s conditions.  If you believe that you begin each day with severe obstacles blocking your way then you will have just that.  The power of energy does not judge your energy (thoughts), it just supplies you with more of what you focus on.

 

Listen carefully to your thoughts and adjust them accordingly.  When you meet up with a challenging condition, understand that it only serves to make you stronger not to punish you.  Adjust and move on.  Do not put limits on what you are able to achieve for in reality there are no limits.  You can go anywhere in your thoughts and create conditions that mirror the focal point of your attention.  It may not manifest exactly as we think but there are guides that assist you along the way and provide you with what you need in order to attune yourself to the higher principles of life.

 

If you are looking for love and compassion, if these are your greatest hope in life, you will have to be the agent of change.  The only way to produce concrete results that sway in the direction of what you are aiming for, you must become these things.  If you want love and compassion, show this to yourself as well as each individual you meet in life.  If you understand that the universe will always provide you with what you need then let go of desires and wishes.  Live life as thought they are already there.

 

Centre yourself regularly through practices such as meditative and know that you are on track.  Acknowledge without doubt that you will reach your destination.  Pay attention to those little defeatist thoughts and beliefs and turn them around.  You are the only one that limits your potential growth.  Take control and understand how you direct your life’s course.  It certainly can be difficult in the beginning as you have been living under a false illusion that life dictates you.  It takes time and effort to produce results, but they will come.  Believe this; know this.  You are the creator of your life.  Push in directions that will enhance YOU.

 

Visit Holm Astrology at www.facebook.com/HolmAstrology to read our food-for-thought posts and for information on Astrology.  If you would like to keep your questions confidential or would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please contact us at holmastrology@gmail.com

 

Taurus - April 20, 2014

The Sun moves into the sign of Taurus on April 20, 2014.  This post applies to individuals with their Sun in Taurus, and to a smaller extent those individuals with many planets in the second house or have their rising sign in Taurus. 

As we move from the fiery sign of Aries into the earth sign of Taurus, we have pushed ourselves out there in the world and are now ready to move into a more secure life situation.  Aries instigates aggressive pursuit to make something out of ourselves and Taurus now wants to instill a more sure-footed response. 

Taurus is all about building a foundation that can stand the test of time.  This is often acquired through material means and security is often measured by the rewards offered from a bank account that is slowly but steadily rising.  Taurus is security minded and uses determination and discipline to reach their objectives in life.  They do not rush out there and stake their claim as Aries individuals would do.  Taurus people choose a more solid structure that guarantees success.  They are determined and not afraid of hard work.  They understand that if this is what it takes to achieve success, then that is the route to take.

They are not very spontaneous and like the tried and tested route.  They quietly build on this structured ground and move forward in their quest for security.  They rarely sway off the chosen path and can be counted on in any situation.  In times of strife, they are usually cool-headed and ward off anything that could jeopardize their sense of security through perseverance and staying steadfast.  They are very calm individuals although once they become angry, they are quite explosive and have a difficult time settling down.

Taurus individuals are very fixed in their ways and also quite opinionated.  Some are considered inflexible and stubborn to a fault as they have a difficult time adapting to anything new.  They will stubbornly adhere to their ways of doing things.  They may not be spontaneous in their decisions, but they will remain true to their word once it is given.  This makes them quite reliable and responsible individuals.

In loving relationships, they are faithful to their loved ones and will work hard at maintaining a meaningful relationship.  They are romantics and also very sensual people.  Taurus individuals will lavishly look after those they love with luxury and surround them with beauty.  They are very earthy and not inclined to wanderlust activities.  They prefer to remain at home as travel is not something that means a whole lot to them.  They will, however, travel to keep their loved ones happy.  They like structure in their life and anything new that has potential of unsettling their comfortable life can produce anxiety and worry.  They like things to be predictable and steady.    

To uncover more meaning in life, Taurus individuals will school themselves through practical learning and formulated ideas.  If this suggests long tedious tasks that require concentrated energy and an ability to keep moving in an intended direction, they can be counted on to reach this destination.  Patience is a key character trait that they can rely on throughout their lives.  Their motto could be “good things are worth waiting for”. 

Visit Holm Astrology at www.facebook.com/HolmAstrology for more information on Astrology and to read our food-for-thought posts.  If you would like to keep your questions confidential or would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please contact us at holmastrology@gmail.com