February 18, 2002
In this issue:
1. Using aspects to your advantage.
2. New NCGR chapter in Hampton Roads
3. For those who wanted to receive the ACG lecture tapes.
ASPECTS
As I observe new students moving into the field of Astrology, one of
the least
understood and most difficult concept to integrate seems to be the
interpretation of aspects, both natally and in forecasting. There
are some basic rules that help to look at them from a more detached
perspective. Planets are energies and can be used positively or
negatively. Even though some planets have a kind of reputation for
being bad guys... i.e. Saturn, Mars, Pluto .... their energies are
absolutely necessary to the human experience. Further, they have a
positive side to them, without which we could not function. When two
planets are arranged in such a way in a chart that they present a
challenge to integrate their energies, we say they are "afflicted"
(a very archaic term).
Most text books paint a very negative portrayal of how this
manifests in the personality. And, indeed, most of the time they do
seem quite negative. I like Demetra George’s use of the words
"unskilled" and "skilled"in regard to use of these energies. So if
we approach negative aspects with that kind of language, it can make
it clearer WHY people have a struggle in integration of conflicting
planetary aspects.
For example, let us say that a person has a square aspect (squares
are very
challenging) between Mercury and Mars. In the first place, they
would most likely be in conflicting signs, unless it were an
out-of-sign square. The signs have to be assessed first. I.e. what
is the "need" of expression in each sign. So, to go further with the
example, let’s imagine the Mercury is in Libra and the Mars is in
Capricorn. This is actually the source of the basic premise
regarding squares... they are always between signs, theoretically
(let’s not forget the out-of-sign ones), that have conflicting
needs. The Libra need is to be fair, conciliatory and diplomatic.
Hence, Libra having a reputation for indecisiveness. Mercury is a
way of speech and the thought processes. So thought
and speech has those qualities. Mars is primarily energy and how it
is expressed. In the negative expression, it can indicate excess in
the way the energy comes across to others ...hence, anger,
aggression, impatience, etc.
When Mars is in conflict with Mercury, it can indicate excess
energy being given to speech or thought, and so a negative
expression can be arguing, defensiveness, impatience, even excess
talking. But when Mars is in Capricorn, it is ambitious and
organized. Some natural ability to act with decisiveness and
authority is inherent. Imagine the conflict between an indecisive,
diplomatic Libra Mercury and an authoritarian, very decisive
Capricorn Mars. At first, when it is used in an "unskilled" way, it
may seem the person is short-tempered and feisty. Mostly it would be
aggravation with oneself because the conflict would be getting in
the way of meeting each of the needs for expression. Frustration is
the result. But as one matures, the two energies can be integrated,
and a wonderful blend of the two could result. That is why it
is never a good idea to assume that a person is using aspects in any
way at all.
If you interpret it as potential, you are leaving room for giving
the person credit for having enough wisdom to grow from the results
of "unskilled" expression. We always learn from our feedback.
Furthermore, an aspect does not stand alone. It is usually part of a
complex pattern of interlocking aspects which all will affect each
other. It takes a lot
of skill to be able to blend this intelligently. Astrology is very,
very complex, and it can be said of it more than many other
disciplines that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. If you are
a student, it would be most wise to make sure you have a thorough
grounding in its principles before hanging out a shingle.
NEW NCGR CHAPTER IN HAMPTON ROADS
The Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Hampton,
Newport News area
(Hampton Roads) is about to start a regional chapter of NCGR
(National Council for Geocosmic Research). We will be holding the
first meeting in mid-March... exact date still being determined.
Since the NCGR dues goes up on April 1st, we want to make our
chapter a reality before that date. We need ten paid members to form
a chapter. If you want to be on the list to be informed of our first
meeting, or want more information, just let me know.
THE A*C*G LECTURE TAPES
There was a retrograde Mercury on February 2nd. I knew that, so I
really bent over backward to make sure the taping equipment was
going to do the job. First, my mic mixer broke, so to compensate, I
took two microphones so that it would be stereo rather than
monaurall. One mic was clipped to my blouse and the other hand-held.
The end result is that for some unknown reason, there is a kind of
"feedback" in the tapes. Like someone speaking too loudly. The tapes
are clear and loud. But it can be annoying. Furthermore, after the
break I forgot to turn the recorder on. I simply added the
appropriate information in the right place when I got home.
I am a perfectionist and have the moon in Virgo, so I can’t charge
full price for these tapes, since I find them annoying to listen to.
They are on the Psychology of using Astro*Carto*Graphy, so it is a
rare subject to find. I have packaged the two tapes in an album and
the handouts are bound into a booklet. If you want them, I’m selling
them at just a tad bit over cost plus postage... which is $7 plus $3
postage, or $10 total. Several of you mentioned that you wanted them
and asked about ordering instructions, so to save time, I’m putting
it here. Send check or money order to me or use paypal on my web
site. I have a lot of other tapes of lectures and seminars, but have
never been very efficient in organizing them. From now on, that will
change.
One more thing. Does anyone have the birth data for Andrea Yates,
the Texas mom
who drowned her five children?
That’s it for now. Happy Presidents’ Day!
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