Rick DiClemente’s
Astrology
Newsletter
Volume
47, December 2009
(Download a printable .DOC version here)
“Where seldom is heard a discouraging word”
The Year of
the Snuggie
Aries – Blow-Up-the-Moon Rocket Kit, taffee, wax
coke bottle candy, fireballs, pregnancy tests, Chinese handcuffs, Slinkies, super-8 movie projector, Frankie Avalon and
Annette Funicello beach movies, Lionel train set,
Lionel Ritchie CDs, rainbow-colored thongs, Elton John sunglasses, Dust Buster,
partridge in a pear tree, and a see-through Snuggie.
Taurus - Throat lozenges, recycled Earth shoes, tubs of strawberries,
gumball machine, stain remover, a comb, 2 tickets to Hair, Sugar Daddies and
Black Cows, Elvis karaoke machine, Wet-Wipes, “Sweat to the Oldies” video with
Richard Simmons, Q-Tips, Sylvester Stallone poster, Boone’s Farm apple wine,
M-80’s, Dr. Scholl’s corn pads, and a sable-fur Snuggie.
Gemini – Red wax lips,
Cancer – Fudge, Barely Manilow’s Best Hits
CD, scrapbooking kit, antacids, hide your bra-strap
devices as seen on TV, “The Way We Were”
Leo – Candy Canes, chemistry set, hair mousse, paisley muumuu, Ethel
Merman’s “7 Secrets to Being Heard” book, Sea Monkeys, Root Beer Barrels, vacation
slides, Mr. Microphone, bronzer, gold bling-bling,
Ted Baxter wind-up doll, Ultra Mascara, auto pine tree air fresheners, solar-powered
makeup mirror, bottle of Brute cologne, and a bright red Snuggie.
Virgo – Preparation-H coupon, Bob-the-Builder Home Workbench,
Tidy Bowl, gallon of Purell Hand Sanitizer, Witch
Hazel, Rembrandt Toothpaste, orange sherbet Push-Ups, a monocle, application
for cryogenic freezing, vacation trip to the Canary Islands, Gummi Bears, Xanax, yard stick,
steam cleaner, French Bulldog, and a white Snuggie.
Libra – Marshmallow Peeps, “Valley of the Dolls” used book, binoculars,
HGTV T-shirt, His and Hers silk pajamas, country club tennis lessons, dental
floss, nail polish, Do-it-Yourself Home Law Guide, Slim Fast, buy one get one
free botox Treatment, 2010 Cadillac Escalade, faux
picture with Ronald Reagan, 3-pack of dickies, and a
diamond-studded Snuggie.
Scorpio – 10 dozen ribbed Italian condoms, Do-It-Yourself Plumbing
Guide, Horehound drops, X-ray glasses, old Photoplay Magazines, Passion Fruit bath
gel, pheromone candles, dark chocolates, Black Sabbath records, snakebite kit,
Dante’s Inferno book, Snickers, “Twilight”
Sagittarius – Chuckles, big shoes, big noses, whoopee cushions, ju ju bees, Happy Meals,
firecrackers, gag gifts, books on philosophy, bathroom books, comic books,
Kindle, new Chevy van, apple pie, a ride on the musical highway, package deal
to Disneyworld, scuba lessons, skydiving lessons, 4 golden rings, old Bob Seger records, and a bright orange Snuggie.
Capricorn - “Father Knows Best” videos, Mallow Cups, pet rock, petrified
rocks, How-To books, gift certificates to the dentist, Nixon portraits, bank
deposit forms, 5-swinging-silver-balls-that-knock-into-each-other-on-your-desk thingie, Dr. Scholl’s heels, Country Club hole-in-one
insurance, chocolate cake, handkerchiefs, embroidered, of course, and a teeny
tiny Snuggie.
Aquarius – Magic set, trip to the zoo, flash-bulb camera, KY jelly, aroma
candles, foot-cleansing ionic bath, astrology reading, ab
machine, Wii Fit, Yoga Toes, pea shooter, paper
airplane kit, bottle rockets, money, antique hippie bus, church pew, portable
camp fire, free love, Frank Zappa poster, black light, and a polka-dot Snuggie,
Pisces – Get-out-of-jail-free card, hookah, hash pipe, carton of Pall
Malls, kaleidoscope, pyramid-shaped shaving blade sharpener, bottle of aspirin,
espresso machine, 357 magnum, Office Barbie, rainbow-colored Crocs, Steeler tickets, Ford Edsel, food
stamps, large bucket, eleven ladies dancing, and an aquamarine Snuggie.
All-important Saturn has changed signs on October 28. It’s
now in Libra for the next 28 months except for a brief return to Virgo in the
spring of 2010. As always, there are positives and negatives whenever Saturn is
in town. Saturn demands that we lock-down any issues that are tentative and
that we take responsibility in those areas of our charts that the ringed planet
touches. In general, this is what you can look for from this stern planet for
the next few years: (Solar house cusps)
Aries –
In your 7th house old-man Saturn will urge you towards permanence in
your relationships. You may feel compelled to marry or you may actually feel an
urge toward repairing your marriage or flat-out ending it. “It” doesn’t “do”
anything; it symbolizes that now is the time for you to get your
relationship(s) in a condition that you really want. Putting things off now
will most likely backfire.
Taurus -
In your 6th house Saturn will compel you to shine up your work
skills. This may include learning new skills at work. Also, it’s quite an
important time to really take your health seriously. This includes exercise and
diet. This is not a time to fool around with your basic health. It does NOT
mean that you will get sick, but it’s much better to go with Saturn’s “flow” which
means to get things “fixed” while it’s around.
Gemini –
In your 5th house Saturn will make you feel like refining your
self-expression. What does this mean? Usually, Gemini is one of the most
carefree when it comes to censoring what passes through your lips. Saturn does
the opposite; he is the censor. You will start to see where you could
benefit more by using more tact verbally.
Cancer –
In your 4th house Saturn wants you to lock down your emotions. While
this is quite natural for the Crab, it means to actually firm up your living
arrangements, your home, or moreover your emotional nest. Repair any “leaks”
that lead you toward feeling vulnerable emotionally. This is an especially good
time to try to patch up any wounds that have occurred within the family. Do it
now.
Leo –
In your 3rd house the father of planets, Saturn, will make you feel
an urge to train your mind better. Leo is not usually very
disciplined mentally. They usually rely on their natural instincts to express
themselves. All very well, but Saturn the Teacher will show you how to further
fine-tune your mental ramblings and the mind will respond by serving you well.
Virgo –
in your 2nd house Saturn will press on you to firm up your financial
situation. You will be living for many years upon the financial foundations
that you build during this time. More aptly put, the 2nd house pertains
to your self-worth. Virgins are actually rather private. Even so, this is the
time period for you to sure up any loose ends in that area. Differentiate
between the value of the productivity of your work and you yourself. They’re
really 2 different things – personal self worth.
Libra –
in your 1st house Saturn will be very powerful. More than usual, it
will press on you to find your own self definition apart from your
partnership(s.) Even though you are the sign of the partner, you still need a
strong definition of who you are. Don’t rely too heavily on another of any sort
of it may backfire now. Librans are smart and you don’t need other’s approval
as much as you might think.
Scorpio –
in your 12th house Saturn operates quietly. This time is beneficial
for looking back on your life in reflection. Learn now from past successes and
failures. If you do so properly, you will benefit when it comes time to make
your new stand in about 28 months. Scorpios are usually brutally self-honest,
so this will help. Make sure you come up for air now and then.
Sagittarius –
in your 11th house Saturn will make you feel like making your move
toward your big-time dreams. Those are very much in line with the Archer’s high
aspirations! Don’t be concerned right now as to who’s going to go with you on
your next bold adventure. Just go for it and everybody will follow anyway.
Others may tease you but many admire your carefree nature.
Capricorn –
In your 10th house of career we say “Who dat?”
to Saturn. You naturally shine in the department of public status, but now even
more so. Ambition is at a peak now as you will be greatly inspired to take your
career to new heights. Promotions are definitely on your mind now but also
remember: spirit is behind everything astrological; material gain is essentially
empty.
Aquarius –
In your 9th house learning becomes the end-all to Saturn. Naturally
a fanatical learner, the Water-Bearer will be inspired to return to academics.
Don’t be surprised if
Pisces –
In your 8th house Saturn will awaken you from your comfortable
slumber. Your duties to others will become paramount now. You usually get by
with your “let it slide” nature. Not now. The 8th house commands
that you hold up your end of the bargain with those around you. I know you
don’t like following rules, but this house is the karmic house. Be
straightforward and you’ll be OK.
Even though we all have very complex natal charts, it is
quite possible to guess another person’s Sun sign. Many times we can be thrown
off by their rising sign or even Moon sign. According to the next itemized
list, these are the main things to try to sense about a person if you’d like to
get better at ascertaining what sign they were born to:
Aries –
The main thing to look for is the eyes. They have a boy- or girl-nextdoor look. Innocence. Almost
always they seem like you can trust them right away. Many times they have
protruding noses or foreheads too. This parallels the way they live – they dive
right into experience without much hesitation. In their speech, they tend to
oversimplify issues. Quite child-like.
Taurus –
Usually they take their time and don’t react to anything quickly. They have a
very nice basic constitution. Simplicity is their name. Sometimes the males
have strong necks while the females follow Venus’ lead and have a deep
down-to-earth beauty. They are very sensual and love food too.
Gemini – The Twins have a very child-like appearance. Usually
they appear to be much younger than their age. They tend to change subjects
quickly and are game for discussing just about anything. The females can have a
biting tongue but don’t seem to intend much harm behind it although it may seem
so at the time. Short fingers and high-pitched giggles are also common. Usually small breasts.
Cancer – The main thing to try to sense is a recessed feeling.
Cancers don’t volunteer to be out amongst the rough and tough. They are
tender-hearted and often cover this soft interior with a defensive shield –
thus the Crab. They can be very good listeners and quite often have “moony”
eyes. That means that they kind of drift with deep emotions; far from social
demands. Family is their favorite topic. They are well-endowed.
Leo – The main features of this sign are large whites to
their eyes, very full thick heads of hair, and roundish
faces. They give off an ebullient happy non-stoppable feel. They come across as
being very confident, sunny and they usually do what they say their going to
do. Leos are hard to figure. The main thing to look for is a sense that you
just can’t keep them down. Colorful. Big.
Virgo – Pure complexions and a well-groomed look are the main
things to look for. It is common to sense a cool emotional state from them as
they are quite controlled. They also give off a strong sense of honesty and
dependability. The females also have a high-pitched giggle. They all seem like
they’re in a hurry to get back to “work,” their middle name. Details are very
important to them as they recite a story.
Libra – Most assuredly this sign exhibits beauty and curves.
Almost always their faces have no sharp or angular details. The give-away is a
captivating, beautiful smile. They usually always dress nicely too – and in
style. They have a very welcoming, tactful, and graceful manner about them.
They can’t stand coarseness or rudeness in any way. They smooth things over.
Scorpio – Intensity of feeling is the main thing to sense when
you are around them. Many times they have very dark, penetrating eyes. A common
factor is a sense that they are just not going to show their cards as they
“live” behind a screen of privacy. Usually they hate what they hate and love
what they love – there is very little middle-ground. Another factor to look for
is that they can really get intensely interested in everything about you. Often
times their complexion is very pale and their facial shape is quite “skull-like”
with high cheekbones.
Sagittarius – They look like their having fun – always. The facial
shape is commonly elongated with a “horse-shape” like Sen. John Kerry. Because
they’re very blunt, honest and open, they’re usually easy to guess. They quite
often have their foot in their mouth but they simply don’t care. In their
minds, if it’s honest, it doesn’t matter what they say. They like slapping
others on the back and have quite an encouraging infectious personality.
Capricorn – Capricorn is very hard to figure or guess. They take
many shapes. Usually, once you get to know them you’ll see how serious they are
– about everything. The main factor to look for is their strong sense of duty
to everyone around them. Also, many of them are fear-filled being cautious and
careful about almost everything. They’ll fool you though because they can have
a great sense of humor. A classical, statuesque look is common too.
Aquarius – Look for an elongated face where the two sides are
almost parallel to each other with a rounded bottom. The females usually have
beautiful legs. They give off an extremely friendly and tolerant vibe. They’ll
talk to you about anything in quite an open-minded way. There’s usually
something quite quirky about their personalities too as they are so extremely
intellectual. Another thing to look for is their strong independent streak.
Pisces – This is probably the hardest sign to figure. Pisces is
very complex and “chameleon-like.” This is why their Moon sign and rising sign
can seem prominent. They are very non-judgmental and soft-spoken
usually. Their nature seems to flex at each moment as they truly are a blend of
all 12 signs. “Going with the flow” is their basic nature – fluid, and
easy-going.
I’ve given much thought to the comparisons between the I Ching, Asrology, Tarot,
Numerology, etc. For many years I just didn’t like the feel of the Tarot. Since
then, luckily and assuredly, I now have complete faith in the absolute accuracy
of all of those fields. Being almost totally focused on Astrology, it took me a
while to not only understand what Astrology really is, but how it relates to
the others. I mean, truth is truth is truth.
The moment you were born and at the specific spot on the
earth, the universe had something to say – you are that moment’s emissary
– and it continues to say it through you. This is the same for the other arts.
You cannot pick the wrong Tarot card, no matter how you shuffle them or not.
The chosen card represents how things “are” at that moment. Certainly the
“talent” and integrity of the particular reader in any one of these arts is of
the highest importance.
So, how do these things work? I am convinced that in
astrology, the planets do nothing to you personally. They simply symbolize the
state of being of All things at that time. This is an
extremely difficult concept to express. You get it or you don’t. All of life is
symbolic; there is no such thing as a coincidence. Reading the planets is the
same as reading the I Ching coins. Perhaps the
interpretations are a bit different in meaning and time period.
Nevertheless it all works. I think mankind is starting to
really figure this out, what with movies like “The Matrix” and all. We’re
starting to accept the quantum nature to this once-Newtonian world. And even
though I try to avoid clichés, “As above, so below” remains so true.
It’s called synchronicity. I don’t have to tell you about how many times we all
receive symbols, omens, and signs. And we know deep down that they are
meaningful. Remove that corrosive doubt.
Astrology is a difficult subject to teach for many
reasons. For many years I’ve searched for a teaching construct with which to
parallel the functionality of this study of the planets. One story I’ve come up
with is this:
Imagine you are overseeing a small room, looking down on
its 4x3 tiles blocks. The twelve blocks never change and are numbered. Upon
those 12 blocks live 11 eternal ants. 11 is the number of the traditional
planets plus Chiron. I chose ants randomly; I could have easily have chose
aardvarks. For the purpose of this comparison, let’s imagine that these ants
live forever and are self-sustaining.
Once we check the carefully-kept logs of their life trails
we would then have an immediate parallel to the planets through space. What am
I saying? The reason we choose the planets to watch is because they are the
most visible, constant, and non-decaying “permanent” of natural forces. We know
where they have been, they are easily measured in accord with our own earthly
seasons and we will most likely know where they will be in hundreds of years.
Now, back to the ants… If I had dependable, accurate logs
of exactly where those ants were in reference to blocks 1-12 I could then most
assuredly read your “ant chart.” If I photographed exactly where those ants
were at the time of your birth and knew how fast they were moving, we would
have a new accurate science/art called Antology. No
kidding! And, it would work. It certainly would be quite different, just as
Numerology is to Astrology, but nevertheless it would work as an art of
divination.
Why is this so? Because the state of the universe
at any given moment is the state of the universe. The ants or planets, numbers,
and coins are simply the “clocks” that we have learned to read as an expression
of that moment and the qualities of that moment that are seen as universal archetypes.
And you and I as well as that tree stump over there are intimately tied to the
Oneness of all things.
Escaping this Oneness is not
possible
It can only be imagined as was the
fall from Heaven
In astrology, events CANNOT happen until the planets are
in the right place for it to happen and planets CANNOT be in the right place
for something to happen until the event is ripe for it to manifest into
“existence.” There’s no other way to say it.
It takes many years of seeing thousands of charts to
really get this part of astrology down. Just how does an astrologer determine a
strong planet vs. a weak one? This is referred to as “weighting.” Almost all
astrologers have their own methods and preferences since this art is so
complex. However, below is a list upon which most would agree.
The four “angles” are according to the
Ascendant-Descendant and Midheaven-Nadir lines as indicated. The houses are the
“pieces of the pie.” The zodiacal degrees follow around the circle in a
counter-clockwise direction.
1. A planet is highly strengthened if it is located close
to the “angles” or in any of the #1 positions.
2. A planet is greatly emphasized if you were born with it
near the Sun such as in position #2 with the Sun and Mars.
3. A planet’s influence upon a house is stronger if it is
placed earlier in the house rather than later as symbolized by #3 (strong) and
#4 (weaker.)
4. A planet is EXTREMELY strong if it is born at a right
angle (square) to your ascendant as in #5’s.
5. Planets are very strong if they were born in clumps, or in a “stellium” such as in #6 with the Sun,
Venus, and Mars.
6. Planets in strong aspect, especially conjunction,
opposition, or square to one another can play a very significant role in one’s
chart such as indicated in the positions marked #7.
Well, it’s been kinda, you know,
sorta like, well, er, you
know what we’ve been trying to tell you for several years, but we thought we’d
break it to you slowly. And the
There is quite a silver lining though, if we don’t hang on to the out-dated
national-centric egoic attitudes, then the sky’s the
limit! Then we can work as equals with all the global countries and really get
something done besides keeping the fat-cats and lobbyists stuffed on Wall
Street and within the Capitol Beltway. The “system” has been broken for a long
time; it’s just that now the pain has hit our pocket books and we’re being
forced to see the truth of it – astrologically known as Pluto in Capricorn. The
same planetary pattern happened to the
Our Blue Orb
That allows us to be here
We thank you for your
protection
We thank you for your
care
We explore all around
And we don’t find another
Who comes close to your miracles
Never close to your gifts
May we never forget
What God’s Grace has
bestowed
And may we always
remember
As above, so below
12/1 Uranus goes Direct 3:27p – Finally moving
forward without Saturn in Virgo bugging him too much, Uranus will be inspired
to speak its mind. Look for rapid change all around you, although I think it
will be a short burst. The US Congress will actually appear to be productive
for once – it won’t last long. In your world go for it! Don’t hold back
anymore.
12/2 Full Moon 10°`15’ 2:30a – The Geminian Moon will be traveling alone now. It’s kind
of forming a bucket handle to the other 10 planets. That means it’s time for
flights of fancy! Try something new. We’re all in the midst of such heavy
Plutonian/Saturnian earth-shaking change; take this time to try something
light, like skydiving.
12/16 New Moon 24°f40’ 7:02a – The Sun and Moon will square Uranus.
During all these heavy times with Saturn-square-to-Pluto, this will be a
welcome boost. Remember now to stick to your guns philosophically. Also,
remember to enjoy life! Isn’t that the idea?
12/20 Mars goes Retrograde 8:27a – See above
article entitled “Mars Retrograde”
12/21-24 Sun conjuncts Pluto, and the Sun enters
Capricorn 12:47p – As the Moon joins the transiting Jupiter, Neptune, and
Chiron stellium. This is a humble time. A reverent time too; and it’s not
because of Christmas either. This indelibly powerful transit of these 3
spiritual planets finally starts to break up, just as the Sun enters humble Capricorn
and triggers its square El Pluto. We all know what a serious time it is now.
It’s time to make our vows – to others, and to
ourselves – and stick to them.
12/26 Mercury goes Retrograde 9:38a – Why not? In
the middle of all this “planetary stuff,” let’s have another
Mercury off its rocker! Hang tight everybody.
12/31 Happy New Years – Lunar Eclipse 10°a15’ 2:13p – Weee! A
freaking Lunar eclipse hours before my birthday!
That’s why that ball falls down on New Years Eve – just for me. With the Moon
in Cancer in the sign of feelings, make sure to reach out and let those around
you know how much you love them. It’s no longer play time – Pluto left
Sagittarius 2 years ago.
Make sure to stay in
touch with my web site at www.starself.com
and as always, “May the planets be with you as you find your Starself!” - Rick
2009
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