PURPOSE OF AN ASTROLOGY CHART

In Astrology, the Natal or birth chart is a snapshot of the heavens at the instant of birth with the planets frozen in time.  The planets, their placement and their angles to each other as well as specific points in our natal chart tell the individual’s personal story.

Once we are born, the planets continue their movement around the zodiac.  The birth chart or natal chart placements, however, remains in the same place for our lifetime.  The movement of planets after our birth is known as transits and progressions.  We will not go into any great detail here, but it is suffice to say the movement of planets and the stationary planets of our birth chart will make aspects to each other and will tell a story over and above the story told by our Natal chart.

When these transiting (moving) planets align with natal planet placements (and much depends on the overall condition of the natal chart), areas of your life defined by the house positions of the transits and progressions as well as the house positions of the planets in the natal chart are activated and life events and reactions begins to unfold.  This unfolding is experienced on an intuitive level at first when the transiting planets begin forming an aspect (angle between these links) and then can be experienced on an external level through events as the energies become enhanced by the joining up of other planetary influences.

Astrology can pinpoint when these areas of life will become activated and how these energies may affect you.  However much depends on your attitude you have during the activity and the duration of its effects on your life and to the intensity of what transpired.  Astrology prepares you for this upcoming energy entering your life and can provide you with clues as to how to deal with the energies and events or take advantage of what may transpire over the coming periods while the transiting and natal planets’ energies merge.

Astrology can be used as a tool and a guide to assist you in overcome obstacles, to assist you to prepare for periods in life when things may not run smoothly but also to prepare you for times when great opportunities will be laid in front of you.  These opportunities may not materialize if you do not recognize the prospects that are available to you.  Astrology gauges the energies of the activity and provides you with suggestions on how to utilize these energies as they enter your life.

For those wishing to take advantage of these early signs and use Astrology as a guiding principle in their lives, astrology is a viable “advertisement” of opportunities to come, both with the easy flow and with harder lessons.  Transits and Progressions offer a window of seeing rather than moving forward without insight of the potentials that lie ahead.  An Astrology chart provides you with the upper hand.

Astrology is a tool of reference that can be applied in many areas of life.  The birth chart provides the initial backdrop suggesting who you are, how you naturally cope with life and how you can take advantage of opportunities that come your way. 

Astrological guidelines are not written in stone as we have free will and can react to any given situation in our own way but we are predisposed to reacting a certain way and the chart will indicate this.  A chart is a tool to assist us in dealing with life as it unfolds with less resistance and with more personal awareness.

We have the tools available in life to overcome any adversity and also to take advantage of all opportunities.  Astrology is one of such tools.  With your own personal decisions combined with information provided by Astrology, you can direct your life and enjoy the natural flow.  Take advantage of the information Astrology provides and have a leading role in your ever unfolding journey.

Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer.

Holm Astrology also offers individual intuitive readings or group parties. For more information, visit us at www.holmastrology.com/intuitive-readings

Are you interested in learning Astrology.  Holm Astrology’s Fall course have now begun; however courses will be again offered in the Spring of 2020.  Visit www.holmastrology.com/astrology-classes for course details.

Please “Like” us on Facebook.  Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed.

If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us

UNDERSTANDING TRANSITS

Our birth chart or natal chart is a snapshot of the heavens at the moment of birth with the earth in the centre.  The earth is surrounded by all the planets.  This snapshot of the heavens (the birth chart) remains intact as long as you live, nothing changes.  The moment after birth, however, the planets (although frozen in the natal chart) begin to move again which are call the transiting planets.  On most chart diagrams, the transiting planets are located on the outside of the circle and the natal planets are located in the centre of the chart diagram.  Each transiting planet moves at a different speed.  They can also move in different directions (direct – moving forward; stationary – appear to not move at all; and retrograde – appearing to move backwards).

Again, the moving planets after the moment of birth are called Transiting and the deciphering of these placements and the angles they make (aspects) to the natal planets and astrology chart angles (MC, Ascendant, IC and DC) tell the current and future story of your life.  There are many aspects these transiting planets can make to the natal (birth) planets (both Major and Minor aspects).  Some of these aspects are considered challenging but teach valuable lessons.  Other aspects are easy flow.  Much depends on what angles and planets are involved.

When a transiting planet, for example, makes an angle of 0 to 10 degrees separation (moving away) to a natal planet, the energies merge and become one.  0 to 10 degrees is called a conjunction which tells of an emphasis and it elevates the energies of the planets involved (or the angles it touches).  The conjunction is most strong when the two plants are 0 degrees apart.  As they begin to separate, the energies begin to weaken and usually within 2-3 degrees past direct, the energies are basically gone.  Saturn, which is the exception, does last longer and is often at its peak 2 degrees past direct.  Everything associated with Saturn seems to be delayed.

Another variable with the transits and what they are saying involves the house placement that the planets are found in.  For example, when a planet is moving through the seventh house, the seventh house matters will be involved.  You not only look at the transiting planet’s house but also look at the house that the natal (same) planet is located in as well as the house any aspecting planet is located in.  You also have to look at the natal house placement that the transiting planet was located in within the birth chart. 

In other words, if Uranus is transiting the seventh house, the seventh house is enhanced or activated.  If Uranus is aspecting the Sun in the 10^th house, the 10^th house is also highlighted.  If Uranus is natally in the fourth house then you also have to take into consideration what the fourth house signifies.   You would be looking at the 7^th house, the 10^th house and the 4^th house to get a full picture of the aspect between Uranus and the Sun.

When delineating transits, it is important that you understand the duration of the transits.  All the outer planets have a greater impact on your life because they move slowly.  Pluto can have as much as a 3-4 year impact on your life.  The most powerful will always be when planets are direct.  Direct contact can last as long as one to two years. 

Faster moving planets have very quick influences and as a result, move out of influence quickly.  There is no lasting impact from the inner planets.

Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer.

Holm Astrology also offers individual intuitive readings or group parties. For more information, visit us at www.holmastrology.com/intuitive-readings

Are you interested in learning Astrology.  Holm Astrology’s Fall courses have already commenced but we will be offering courses again in the spring of 2020.  Visit www.holmastrology.com/astrology-classes for course details.

Please “Like” us on Facebook.  Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed.

If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us

WITHSTANDING LIFE'S PRESSURES

Life at times can present us with challenges that seem to steal our focus and we, for some reason, allow ourselves to feel stagnating and point the finger at the challenges.  For some, they may even question their self-worth.  We can be confronted with what feels to be massive, overwhelming tests that come at us from every angle.   With the deepest life lessons, we are seldom prepared for the events. 

In hindsight, upon review, our reactions are not always what we might have wanted them to be. 

For some of us, this seems to be a reoccurring theme in life.  When we are faced with adversity and difficult conditions, we often meet these lessons with opposition.  We sometimes feel as though we are victims of life but are we? 

Are we not actually victims of our own reactions to life’s events? 

Life is going to happen, with or without our consent.  If we view these events as lessons, we can face life head on and use the events to grow and learn.  We can recognize that these events are not a part of us. We do not have to own what has taken place. 

Alternatively, we can meet life’s events with frustration, “why me” and anger which in turn will turn a lesson into a very difficult lesson.  We can take this very hard lesson one step further and own what has happened and see it as a part of who we are.  But why would we do this?  What would be the benefit of this? 

How do we change an event that has already happened?  It has happened and we cannot turn back the hands of time.

We always have a choice on how we deal with adversity. 

Also, we have a choice on how long we choose to hang on to the events.  If we try to sweep them under the carpet, they do not disappear.  Guaranteed they will resurface again.  If we try to ignore them, we are actually giving them energy by working on ignoring.  How much time and control are we willing to give to these uncontrollable events?

This is not to say that we are unaffected by what takes place even if we do not fight the event.  This does not mean that we are not emotionally affected by life’s events nor does it mean that we are cold or unemotional in any way.  What it does mean is that life happens and we have options in what ways we move forward.  There are always choices to be made.  We are not at the mercy of these events as many believe.  We are always at the helm of our reactions and our emotions.  We alone dictate how we will allow ourselves to be affected by each and every event in life.

Events in life WILL happen without our consent, but we have choices as to how we will allow ourselves to be affected.  We make those choices whether those decisions are conscious or not. 

If we choose to analyse our decisions and recognize our part in the process, we learn how to adjust to life’s events rather than feeling as though we are a victim of them.  Being familiar with our past reactions and decision helps us to learn to control our next decision.  We can put strategies in place so that we make well, thought-out choices instead of making “reaction”.  We want to be mindful in order to make wise decisions not react to a situation and then have regrets.

  

Learn to listen to the quiet inner guide.  When something happens, feel the human feelings, but take a breath and allow yourself the time to be mindful.  If it is a life lesson you are faced with, see it as that and learn.  If we ignore the lesson, it will only come back at us even harder the next time. 

Stop, process and then act with intension.  Stand tall in the face of adversity by recognizing the lesson.  It is not who you are and is not yours to “set up house” in.  It is a temporary lesson to help you grow.  Move forward with the benefit of that knowledge.

Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer.

Holm Astrology also offers individual intuitive readings or group parties. For more information, visit us at www.holmastrology.com/intuitive-readings

Are you interested in learning Astrology.  Holm Astrology’s Fall course have now begun; however courses will be again offered in the Spring of 2020.  Visit www.holmastrology.com/astrology-classes for course details.

Please “Like” us on Facebook.  Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed.

If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us

NODES OF THE MOON

There are two nodes of the Moon - the North Node and the South Node.  These areas of the chart are always in opposition (180 degrees apart). 

The Nodes are known as destiny’s gate or the axis of fate.  These Nodes have a karmic and spiritual relevance and some say they are the meeting point between the higher powers and humanity as a whole.  This is where the spiritual energies enlighten humanity with their life’s mission.  These nodes speak of where we should be heading (North Node) and where we have come from in a past life that has significant ties to this one (South Node).

The South Node has connections with our past, and we bring with us qualities that we can use in this life to help us connect with our current life’s mission.  The South Node is an area or energy that we are comfortable with, as these energies are instinctively familiar. 

The North Node, however, is completely new and rather unknown to us.  Most of us are a little uncomfortable with the energies of our North Node (NN).  However, life tends to keep pushing us towards our NN objectives.  We are linked to the NN as this is what we need to learn and to develop and use as our journey continues.

It takes some courage in surrendering to our NN energies and direction in life.  New areas are opened and revealed to us over time, and they are necessary talents to be acquired in order to facilitate the growth required by the soul.

The North and South Node often provide us with information so we can decipher why we have come into this life and what our purpose truly is.  It is said that what happens in this life is tied to what we have experienced previously.

The North Node is known as the dragon’s head while the South Node is known as the dragon’s tail.  These nodes although coming from different perspectives will aid in our quest and foster growth through life’s experience that will eventually lead us to where we are meant to be. 

The North Node and South Node are defined by sign and house position.  For example since they are always 180 degrees apart, if you have a NN in Pisces in the third house, you will have a SN in Virgo in the ninth house.

The house position is similar to having the ruling sign position.  As a result, if, for example, you have the NN in the first house, it is like having the NN in the first sign (Aries).  The SN would be in the seventh house which would be like having the SN in Libra.  Between the Nodal sign position and the Nodal house position, you will get a good idea of what life’s mission might be. 

Many in early life are led by the SN node tendencies as this is a comfortable place.  As we mature into ourselves, we begin to develop our NN abilities and move into our destined path.

Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer.

Holm Astrology also offers individual intuitive readings or group parties. For more information, visit us at www.holmastrology.com/intuitive-readings

Are you interested in learning Astrology? Holm Astrology is now well into our fall classes but we will be offering new courses in the spring of 2020. Visit www.holmastrology.com/astrology-classes for course details.

Please “Like” us on Facebook.  Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed.

If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us

FULL MOON IN TAURUS NOVEMBER 12, 2019

We will be experiencing a Full Moon in the sign of Taurus at 19 degrees today, November 12 at 8:37 a.m. EST. 

It has been noted that the energies of a Full Moons have a reputation of being rather aggressive particularly with actions taken by some people in the general public.  Violent actions such as assault and accidents are known to be heightened when we experience the energies of a Full Moon.  This of course is not always the case although incidences are noted to increase by emergency responders.

Astrologically, the Full Moon speaks in terms of eliminating and removing unwanted material in our lives.  Often times, it speaks of a culmination point when we will need to address situations in our lives (determined by the house positions) that will now need to be addressed and changed or reviewed and then formulated to take specific action.  It is important that because of the lunar effects and emotional interactions that are often accompanied with a Full Moon that we make sure that we are in control of our actions and that we are not led astray because of emotional over reaction.

The Full Moon can, as mentioned many times in previous posts, also be the harvest time in our garden of life.  Now is the time to reap the benefits of all of the hard work we have carried out to reach our goals (particularly the ones that are associated with the energies of the full moon).

A Full Moon in the sign of Taurus may speak of solidification or a need for structure so that things can be steadfast and reliable.  Taurus seeks stabilizing conditions and is intent on building a structure that will stand the test of time.  So if this were focused on a relationship, it would be wise to make sure that this is what you want long term in your life.  If this has to do with your occupation or plans of action it would be important that you make sure you are putting your right foot forward under this influence.

Transiting Pluto will be making a trine to this position which suggests that although potentially disruptive and dramatic the likely effects of this Full Moon will be transformational in positive ways which are often understood at a later date.  Pluto sometimes speaks of an end or close to conditions and after a personal review of these conditions after you will be pointed in the proper direction even if it does not look that way at present. 

Pluto will insist that you get to the route of the situation and explore what needs to be regenerated.  Once this has been done things will transform so that all connected with this energies will be more suitable down the road.  This is a trine aspect which does suggest a somewhat of an easy flow, fortunate conditions and positive outcomes as time passes and things settle. 

Pluto is the agent of transformation and its actions can be intense or subtle but much depends on the situation at hand and how the rest of the chart correlates with these energies.

At the same time, we also have (although rather short lived) Mercury which is in retrograde moving across this positioning from November 9-14 and again in early December, 2019.  Mercury while in retrograde is suggestive of a time to reflect and to make plans but not to take action if at all possible.  When Mercury returns to its direct motion is the appropriate time to move ahead.  Again, November 9-14, 2019, is when Mercury is retrograde and making an aspect the Full Moon.  The last couple of days of November and into the first 3-5 days of December is when Mercury is direct and influencing this placement.

It is important to know that you will need planets or angles (especially the Ascendant and MC) within approximately 3-4 degrees of this placement in order to experience this Full Moon’s energies in your life personally.  Take into consideration the type of aspect this lunar position is making to your personal chart as well as the house positions in play.

Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer.

Holm Astrology also offers individual intuitive readings or group parties. For more information, visit us at www.holmastrology.com/intuitive-readings

Are you interested in learning Astrology.  Holm Astrology’s Fall course have now begun; however courses will be again offered in the Spring of 2020.  Visit www.holmastrology.com/astrology-classes for course details.

Please “Like” us on Facebook.  Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed.

If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us

PLUTO RETROGRADE

Pluto moves in and out of retrograde several times each year.  It remains in retrograde for approximately 150 days a year, often lasting for several months at a time.

Transiting Pluto is a powerhouse in the horoscope, and it intensifies in strength when it makes aspects to planets and points within the natal chart or the progressed chart.  The orb for influence in the transit of Pluto can be felt for those with a strong sensitivity up to 5 degrees while approaching (0 degrees being direct) and 2 degrees separating (after being direct and moving away).  While in progression, it is most significant when it comes within 15 minutes of being direct. 

When Pluto moves into the retrograde motion, it intensifies and becomes very powerful.  The transformational abilities linked to Pluto increase and the regenerative abilities are enhanced.  Any power struggles can also become much more apparent when Pluto is in retrograde, so it is wise to avoid interaction that could lead to intense situations, especially if linked somehow to the planet Mars or Uranus.

It may be very challenging to avoid situations that require change especially when Pluto transits a planet while in retrograde.  It could be considered a time for cleansing and a time to release any worn out or outdated attitudes.  It is as though you are addressing a list of things to do that was written last year.  It is wise to review and remove those items that no longer apply and add more important requirements that are relevant to your life today.

During retrograde motion, it is a good time for inner study and to dig up issues that have been buried for too long.  It might not always be pleasant what you initially find but these challenging conditions will need to be confronted and dealt with.  Any patterns in your life that have reached a state of uncontrollable insistence can best be addressed now and dealt with and changed (usually on a permanent basis).

Much (as always) depends on which house Pluto is transiting and also the house that Pluto is located in within the natal chart as these will be areas of life that will undergo Pluto’s transformative energies.  You may be forced to challenge any issues you dig up and bring to the surface. 

An example might be communicative challenges if transiting Pluto is moving through the third house or if natal Pluto resides in this house.  Also you should look to see where Pluto’s ruling sign (Scorpio) is found as this will also indicate where these changing conditions might become apparent.

Those with Pluto retrograde at birth are known to have great recuperative abilities and they can withstand illnesses that might be considered debilitating for many others. 

We would suggest that you review how Pluto is aspected in the natal chart.  Also review the aspects linked to the planets that transiting Pluto is making aspects to during its cycle in order to get a feel for how these areas of life along with the energies associated with the planets involved will affect the overall conditions of this very significant transit of Pluto.

In general, it is a good time to get in touch with any issues that need dealing with or cleansing.  Review to see what your inner needs may be.  It is a time for inner reflection and transformation that usually takes a year or two to unfold. 

On an outer level, it is also a good time to begin exercise programs and detoxifying diets that help cleanse the body but do not forget your spiritual needs at this time as well.  Enjoy the rather intense transformation that often takes place as Pluto moves into direct and retrograde motion affecting planetary links and important positions in your birth chart. 

Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer.

Holm Astrology also offers individual intuitive readings or group parties. For more information, visit us at www.holmastrology.com/intuitive-readings

Are you interested in learning Astrology? Holm Astrology offers Astrology courses each spring and fall.  New courses will commence in the spring of 2020. Visit www.holmastrology.com/astrology-classes for course details.

Please “Like” us on Facebook.  Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed.

If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us

NEPTUNE RETROGRADE

The outer planets remain in retrograde for longer periods than the inner planets.  Those that have Neptune in retrograde in their birth charts will certainly be affected.  Those that have Neptune stationary in their birth chart will be even more powerfully affected. 

“Powerfully” may not be the appropriate word as Neptune’s energies operate in very subtle ways.  Its influences are felt often through intuitive channels and the unconscious mind. 

In direct motion, Neptune often suggests cloudiness with our reasoning, potential deception or we may not be facing facts.  In its higher representation is suggests idealism.  It also could suggest a romantic involvement often associated with an idealistic view of the partner or situation.  It is also linked to artistic abilities coming to the surface. 

Neptune is linked with fantasy and visions while in direct motion, but its energies turn to reality and dealing with the actual facts when in retrograde.  Openheartedness and level-headedness linked to common sense are terms that could also be associated with Neptune’s retrograde cycle energy.

Since Neptune deals primarily with the mystical and spiritual side of our consciousness, during the time when Neptune is retrograde, you may find that you realize more concrete solutions or answers to questions pertaining to these pursuits.  This applies particularly to those with Neptune retrograde in their birth charts.  Look to see which house Neptune is transiting through during this cycle and also look where Neptune is located in your birth chart. 

Neptune’s retrograde cycle is approximately 150 days in length, and it spends about 14 years in each sign.  Its return cycle is approximately 165 years, so we never experience its return in our lives.  About 40 percent of people have Neptune retrograde in their birth charts.  As a result, Neptune’s retrograde energies are quite common.

When Neptune is in its direct cycle, there can be a cloudiness about life, depending on how it is aspected in the birth chart.  There may be deception and deceit or often illusion and disarray when it comes to seeing things as they are.  When Neptune turns retrograde, it becomes more genuine and more lifelike as Neptune can be illusionary when direct.  It is more reliable and life becomes more real although what you see, at times, may not be all that pleasant.  There can be a real feeling of let-down after a period of feelings of idealism and wonder but the truth is what we want, regardless of how it may look.  Because of Neptune’s influence, when we view the world as it is, a part of us still wants to see it through rose coloured glasses.  There is the unrealistic hope under this retrograde influence that what we see might just vanish; but it will not, and we have to face facts. 

Life becomes more practical and realistic with the retrograde cycle, and this can also include “visions” that are real.  This can also include mystical understanding that is also real and identifiable. 

Neptune retrograde is not a bad thing but it is truth in a broad scope.

Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer.

Holm Astrology also offers individual intuitive readings or group parties. For more information, visit us at www.holmastrology.com/intuitive-readings

Are you interested in learning Astrology? Holm Astrology offers Astrology courses each spring and fall.  New courses will commence in the spring of 2020. Visit www.holmastrology.com/astrology-classes for course details.

Please “Like” us on Facebook.  Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed.

If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us