Astrological Choices - What Can Be Charted?

In previous articles I began simple explanations for understanding astrological charting. My overall intention is to slowly but surely identify the basics of astrology charting so that anyone can understand it. I have already explained the difference between Tropical and Sidereal Astrology (western and eastern) and Geocentric and Heliocentric Astrology. Now I want to go over what can be charted. Just how many types of astrological charts are available for our use? Having said that, I've been studying astrology a very long time and I know of many chart uses, but I doubt that I know all of them. I run into new applications of astrology every day. So here is a beginning to our what can be charted list.

If you have read or studied astrology at all, you already know that you can chart the life of a person and that is called a natal chart. But you are not limited to charting a person and you are not limited to the use of a natal chart only. When a litter of kittens was born in my house, it seemed natural to cast a chart, or rather four charts, one for each kitten. Born close together in time, the kittens had very different outcomes to their lives just as people do. One little guy met his doom fairly quickly. One was given to a good friend and had a wonderful, pampered life. Two stayed with me for many years; one died at age 11, the other at age 19. A difference of a few minutes of birth time gave very different outcomes. Years ago I took a workshop from a well-known astrologer who raised thoroughbred racehorses. She used the charts to determine which horses would make the best long-term investment.

Many astrologers use their skills to gamble just as any other human. A friend had a horse-betting system that to me just didn't live up to its hype astrologically. Another friend bet on the dog races. A couple of years ago I had a client who had won well over $100,000 in three days and wanted a repeat. I plotted and planned but did not see a similar energy pattern to her earlier win. There are astrological gambling books available if you are interested, just be cautious and do a little practicing before you commit. While not billed as gambling, financial and stock trading is a major category for some very successful astrological investors. I personally believe that this is a form of gambling; but if done astrologically, you should have a much better chance of winning. You do have to pay attention to the continually changing patterns. Once I purchased a penny stock at 50¢ a share, which thrillingly climbed to $10 a share in a very short time. I went on vacation, wasn't paying attention and came home to an outright, bottom of the barrel loss. This is not an area of entertainment. That is not the stock market's problem, that's the problem of my own lack of attention. When you put cash or credit on the line, you must know what you are doing and you must stay focused to prevent disaster. Know what you are doing first and pay attention!

You can chart a company, an event, a country, an illness or whatever else you choose. Whatever begins in a moment of time can be mapped. The question would be 'do you have the skill to interpret that chart?' A chart of the moment an illness begins can show both the severity of the illness itself and its potential progress. Charts are often erected for the start of surgery (especially elective surgery) or a treatment, or for the birth of a child. This is a risky one that should not tackled unless you have developed the skill and have the experience to do so. Once upon a time, medical doctors were also astrologers. More recently this application is frowned upon as are many old common medical practices. I personally believe that a medical doctor or a psychologist with additional skill as an astrologer could really be better at what they do. Astrology is a useful tool. It can work hand in hand with medical training but should never be considered a replacement. A time can be chosen for the start of an action or an event prior to the action or event itself. That is called an election chart. Previously I mentioned a medical choice or a stock market trade. There are cycles within cycles and there are times that are better than others for starting an action such as opening a company, negotiating a deal, signing a contract, planting a garden, cutting your hair, proposing or getting married, etc. Our lives are filled with beginnings and we want to choose the best timing and the best circumstances for the best possible outcome.

A chart can be cast for any question on any subject and that is called a horary, which means 'of the hour.' There are times when the chart indicates the question was asked too soon or too late and the answer is either already known or not ready to be known. This is true! If you lost an object and were desperate to find it, you would ask a clear question and then read the answer in the chart. Even map directions are possible and this type of charting is excellent for timing. The lost can be mapped and found and mysteries can be explored. Again, this is not for the faint-hearted... skill is required. Charts can be cast for two people in a relationship (or three or more) and compared. Two additional charts can be cast for the relationship itself, the composite and the relationship chart. I have covered the basics of relational charting in a separate article: Relationships: An Astrological Look at Possibilities. Charts for a group such as a band or a family are possible, very involved but still possible. Again, it takes skill to read it, but it is not truly difficult. A chart can be cast for the start of a job, for the relationship between boss and employee or between co-workers. A chart can be cast for the start of a company, for an incorporation of that same company, for the release of an IPO for that company, for a merger or a hostile takeover for that same company and finally for the demise of that company. These latter maps are of the journey of what began in a moment of time, a business. For my own purposes I used the birth of social security to map what was occurring currently to that energy pattern. That is a major part of today's news stories.

All of this and myriad other possibilities exist in potential as a chart. There are charts for weather patterns, for migration patterns, for natural or man-made disasters. I personally have done the charts for the Challenger and Columbia shuttle disasters, the Chernobyl melt-down and explosion, the death of Princess Diana, 9/11, airline disasters, the collapse of the Clearwater/St. Petersburg, FL bridge, the development and use of the A-bomb, the rise of the latest pandemic (H1N1), too many to list. I've also charted many good events such as the birth of our country, successful space shots, the selection of the current Pope of the Roman Catholic Church and charts of many spiritual leaders, celebrities, sports figures, and people from all walks of life I've mentioned a couple of charts that go past the point of the beginning we call a natal. The journey itself can be mapped at any given moment of time, for any event, and even for the end of time for that energy pattern. Most astrologers won't map death, but it is possible. There are so many techniques and methods they are too numerous to list such as Solar, Lunar or Planetary returns.

The sky seems to be the limit. For these ongoing charts, clients usually want to know currently one of three major areas in their lives. Most questions asked are about career/finance, health, or relationships, and all can be mapped. The use of method falls to the eastern/western choice. The type of map depends on the use and information you want of that map. Charting itself is never-ending, unlimited in potential, animal, vegetable, mineral or any other category you choose. Such charting will always be dependent on accuracy of the basic information, chart construction, the skill of the reader and the acceptance of the information generated. This is human-to-human interpretation, subject to human-to-human receptivity, but all is possible if you have the skill and are prepared to study the science.

Marilyn Muir is author of "Presidents of Hope and Change: Bringing Hope to our Future by Reaching into our Astrological Past."

Jefferson, Lincoln, Kennedy, Obama... The Lineage of Hope

Based on ground-breaking research by noted astrologer Marilyn Muir, this book describes the remarkable similarities of these four presidents in their Aquarian connections to the USA and their commonalities of character and motivation.

Read the first 36 pages (PDF) including the charts of all four Presidents - you'll get hooked! http://www.presidentsofhopeandchange.com

http://www.marilynmuir.com

Astrology - Who You Are Compatible With

Countless people from all over the world consult astrology for insights into various facets of their lives, most especially, love relationships. Few would question that compatibility is key to happiness and fulfillment as a couple, whether or not they believe in astrology. Astrologers maintain that the ancient symbols of the heavens can help discover how human beings relate with one another.

Basic Compatibility Guidelines: Sun Signs

Zodiac signs are the easiest to use in astrological compatibility. Everyone knows at least his or her Sun sign or star sign. Your Sun sign is good for comparing the inner character and psychological motivation of you and people around you. The Sun sign influences the mind and how you think also (but not how you communicate, which is more Mercury).

Zodiac signs that are airy or fiery are compatible. These are the active signs, namely

Aries, Leo and Sagittarius (fire)
Libra, Aquarius and Gemini (air)

Zodiac signs that are earthy or watery are compatible too. These are the passive signs, namely:

Capricorn, Taurus and Virgo (earth)
Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces (water)

Their basic attitudes are similar. But this doesn't mean they always like each other. It is quite possible (and it often happens) that they don't like each other. For example, a Leo Sun sign may be enemies with an Aries Sun, yet their basic motivation and attitude toward life is similar: spirited, outgoing and passionate. Both fire and air signs are outgoing and active types.

In the case of the passive signs, they are all slow, quiet, introverted and feminine. They seek emotional and physical comforts. A Virgo Sun can relate to a Scorpio Sun, for example. Both are perceptive, analytical, loyal and often prone to worry.

Compatible Sun signs take to life in a similar fashion. You'll find it easier to understand and empathize with one whose sign is compatible with yours. For example, a Sun in Libra and Sun in Aquarius are both air signs. They are capable of abstract though and are intellectual. They can understand each other's preoccupation with ideas like, say, water signs can't so easily.

Moon and Ascendant Signs

Besides your Sun sign, check the compatibility between your Moon and Ascendant and your partner's. The Moon travels through the zodiac just as the Sun does, but much quickly: while the Sun takes a year to make a full revolution, the Moon takes only four weeks. The Moon sign reveals your emotional needs and instincts. If you have the Sun in a zodiac sign, it is similar to that of another person with the Moon in that sign; but they are not the same.

For example, let's say you have the Sun in Sagittarius. You strive to expand your mental and physical horizons as the way to fulfill your dreams and attain a sense of maturity. If someone you know has the Moon in Sagittarius instead, their needs are different. Moon in that sign likes to go outdoors and discover new things for emotional comfort, for relaxation and inner peace. That person may enjoy the same activities as you do -- maybe traveling, learning about foreign cultures, sports, philosophy, reading, etc. -- but it is for completely opposite reasons. The Sun sign seeks activity and power, the Moon sign seeks rest and comfort.

Having the Sun and Moon in friendly signs is a very good sign in astrological compatibility. To use the example above, if you have the Sun in Sagittarius and your partner has the Moon in that sign, it forms a strong bond. Your partner feels his or her needs fulfilled by you.

The Ascendant is not a planet. It is the first degree on the east of your birth chart. It represents the horizon. The Ascendant sign or Rising Sign is the most visible part of your personality. Just like the sun at sunrise, it shines where everyone can see it. Your Ascendant sign should ideally be compatible with your partner's Ascendant sign too, or perhaps his or her Sun or Moon sign and vice versa. For example, a Cancer Ascendant sign is highly compatible with a Capricorn Ascendant, its opposite sign.

Your Ascendant sign can be determined if your exact birth time is known. Your Moon sign depends on your birth date and year, and perhaps the time as well if the Moon switched signs on your birthday.

Beyond Zodiac Sign Compatibility

But astrological compatibility is much more complex than you may realize. You are not just one zodiac sign, or two or three. In fact, you do not have a zodiac sign to the exclusion of the others. Everyone has the twelve signs in their horoscopes; it's just different positions and strengths. To really discover how two people interact with each other from an astrological point of view, you or your astrologer would need to read the actual birth charts of the people in question.

In real astrology, you also look at the planets and the angles they form to each other between the two charts. You also need to look at the positions that your planets occupy in your partner's chart, and their planets in yours With so many factors to look into, it goes without saying that it takes a skilled astrologer to do this well.

How You Can Get an Astrology Love Reading

There are various ways to get a love reading. You can get a reading or perhaps a live consultation with a professional astrologer. You can also buy compatibility reports, at various prices, over the Internet. If you would rather have it done for free, you may find an amateur astrology student who wants to hone his or her skills offering free readings in forums or chat rooms. If you want serious, competent advice from someone who may also be a licensed relationship counselor (it depends on state and country laws on astrological practice), it is best to pay for consultation with a reputable astrologer.

What Astrology Can and Can't Do

Astrologers do not tell their clients what to do with a relationship. All astrology does is show you the potential of what's in your natal charts. You and your partner always decide what to do with that potential. This is important to keep in mind. Never let any reading or report convince you one way or the other. The decision is always yours. When you analyze yourselves and your charts honestly, you may be able to feel and understand how the astrological influences work. However you should also understand better than anyone else what you want. The final authority is always you and your partner together.

True horoscope compatibility is not just about zodiac sign matchmaking; it is about the complex interplay of two unique individuals as shown by their astrological birth charts. Learn more about natal chart compatibility as practiced by modern astrologers.

Astrology - Your Astrological Chart

Okay, we're finally ready to dive headlong into the meat of astrology, the astrological chart itself. This is where the foundation of your astrological influences is laid out. A trained astrologer can look at your astrological chart and tell a lot about you just from a glance. By going into depth he can tell even more. So, the questions that need to be answered are, what is an astrological chart, what's on it and how to you make one for a person?

To answer those questions in real depth would take a book in itself. For the purposes of this article we're going to just give you the basics. You can then do further study on your own if you really want to dive into creating and reading your own astrological chart.

An astrological chart is derived from some basic information about your birth. In order to create one, what is needed is your exact date of birth including the exact time. For example, December 12, 1982, at 7:15 PM. Also what is needed is the exact latitude and longitude coordinates of the place where you were born. You're probably wondering, why do we need all this info? The reason is simple. The planets are constantly moving every second of every day. Plus, the relationship of where you are to each planet changes based on where on Earth you are at the time of your birth. That's why somebody born on April 5, 1987, at 8:10 AM will have a different astrological chart from somebody born on the exact same date and time if they are born in Germany and the other person is born in Alaska.

The actual technical skill required to put together an astrological chart is mind boggling. However, with computer technology, you can now simply input the information into a program and have your whole chart of when you were born spit out for you. That is about 90% of the battle itself. The rest of the battle is simply interpreting the chart.

An astrological chart contains an enormous amount of information. While all of it is important, some of it is more important than other parts in that the majority of the information derived from the chart comes from these few pieces.

The main thing your chart is going to tell you is what planets were in what houses at the time of your birth. This is important because each planet has a specific influence on certain aspects of your personality depending on which planet it is and what house it occupies. If you've taken a basic science course in school then you know that the 9 planets are Mercury, Venus, Mars, Saturn, Neptune, Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto as well as our own Earth. The Earth however is not included in the chart because it is the planets that affect the Earth and not the other way around. So since you know what the planets are, you then need to know what the houses are to know what influences the planets affect.

There are 12 houses, Identity, Spirituality, Community, Ethics and Career, Beliefs, Transformation, Relationships, Work and Service, Creativity, Home and Family, Knowledge and Self Worth. Each of these houses has control over a variety of what you might call sub houses or categories. For example, relationships come in all sizes such as friends, business and relatives. A house is more complex that just its general description.

To simplify the whole process, your chart is read by figuring out which planet is in which house at your birth and thus determining what the major influences are in your life. From the chart we get your sun sign, which is your main sign and a number of other pieces of information. The main pieces give the basic characteristics of your personality and influences. The minor pieces go into more detail, which we will do in future articles.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Astrology