Myth & Myth Makers: The Low Down on Mars and Marriage

It has been eons since I have written in this blog. I must say a lot has happened over the past three years. For starters, the reason for my hiatus is that I went back to school to get my Masters (Saturn transiting 3rd house) to make a career change into healthcare (Neptune transiting 6th house) - one of the best decisions I have made to date. Throughout my time away, I have also encountered many astrological lessons and have made many astrological observations. Today, I want to begin my installment of my Myth & Myth Makers series. As a Scorpio, I often tire of reading and re-reading how jealous, manipulative, and sexually oriented I am supposed to be. I feel the typical Scorpio descriptions I read often remind me of my sisters who are both Aries. Really, when you think about, the Scorpio stereotypes can be heavily applied to the Aries woman. The premise of the Myth & Myth Makers series is to dispel the astrological stereotypes and get down to the nitty gritty of how astrological characteristics play out in real life. For instance, as a Scorpio, I can tell you first hand that my life goal is not to be a controlling, powerful, sex goddess. Scorpios are water signs meaning they are non-threatening. Secondly, Scorpios are known to be martyrs - we are relationship oriented signs where partnership and emotional bonding is important. We are huge on giving back and humanitarianism. But I digress, I will stand on my 'Scorpios are not who you think they are' soapbox another day. Today, I want to talk about our dominating signs and Mars.

 

Often, it is a school of thought that we are our Sun sign. Although our Sun sign does have a significant influence - especially when aspected by another planet - I rarely feel that I encounter a person's Sun sign on the day-to-day basis. For instance, my closest friends are a Virgo, Leo, and Taurus. Although their Sun signs are vastly different, they all have a Moon sign in Pisces that compliments my Moon in Scorpio (yes, I'm a double Scorp - go run and hide!). I think it is a widely excepted notion that the Moon is who we are and Sun is who we strive to be. I agree with this astrological theory. However, I like the fact that astrology takes into account the complexities and dynamics of the human personality. From my observations, I would go one step further and say that we encounter a person's Mars more often than not in our day-to-day encounters. The Moon sign may be why there is an intuitive understanding of each other, but Mars is what makes each person want to spend time together and in a way, pursue each other (and I am not just talking about in a dating sense, this refers to any relationship). Mars is what makes the relationship happen - at least from what I have seen. Astrologers usually say that having aspects to the composite Sun is what makes a relationship move forward or have a purpose - but, I personally have not seen this play out. It's all about compatible Mars if you ask me (correction, compatible Venus to Mars and Sun).     

 

I could be overgeneralizing but I think the Mars sign is a good indication of the type of marriage partner a person is likely to be. I was on facebook the other day and some ignoramous shared a post that said: "The Wifey Squad: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn, Cancer, Libra, Sagittarius, Leo. The Side Chick Squad: Gemini, Scorpio, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries". I call this 30 year old Leo an ignoramous because any person who views relationships in terms of wifey versus side chick obviously has some growing to do. But that is besides the point. From those that I have encountered, I find when it comes to what some may deem as spousal material (wife or husband), the Mars sign is more telling. Even in the post presented by my facebook acquaintance, I think the post is more true of those with Mars in those particular signs.  Below, is a break down of my personal observations. These statements may be a little bias because of how my own chart interacts with each of these signs (I have a Mars in Libra) and what planets the Mars interacts in the people that I know charts. But, since Mars is a relationship planet along with Venus, I say that I could possibly be on the right track.

 

From my observations, spousal material as far as Mars is concerned can be broken down as follows:

 

Best

Taurus, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn

 

Neutral

Aries, Leo, Virgo, Aquarius

 

Worst

Gemini, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Pisces

 

Generally speaking, mutable Mars signs make the worst spousal partners and cardinal signs make the best. Fixed are neutral. Additionally, earth Mars signs are also well suited for marriage/longevity. None of these descriptors are geared toward one sex or the other. The characteristics that I have seen from each of these signs play out in the following way - keep in mind, however, that some of these characteristics are not all necessarily what you would expect from each sign (esp. Scorp, Sag, Aqu, Pis):

 

I have observed that the first four Mars signs tend to very entitled and self-motivated to a certain extent.

 

Mars in Aries

• entitled in relationships
• self-motivated toward direct self-expression, no questions asked
• naïve but will drop someone quickly if deceived
• ambitious but poorly executes their ambitions and has unlived potential
• not domestic in a traditional sense but will make an attempt based on what they see others do (will buy food and allow you to think they made it but honest about it if you ask - every now and again will put a little effort) - not too good of cooks but clean
• skeptical of marriage since they like to maintain independence (a few friends with this placement have turned down proposals)
• the roommate who has sex in the house while you are there, and makes a bit of a show out of it
• talks about the love of being in love but still comes off as non-committal
• fun and very spirited
• will get jealous of the attention a grand-parent gives their kid (they didn't give ME that much attention when I was young!!!)
• surprisingly, not very much of a fighter but will back a friend or partner up when there is not much of a choice (usually leaves a tense situation before it escalates)

 Mars in Taurus

• entitled in relationships
• self-motivated by material gain
• domestic but not weak
• competitive with the neighbors (they have a pool, I want a pool too!)
• headstrong but in an overprotective, I know what's best for you because I care sort of way (think of the mom in the show Reba)
• resilient
• financially stable
• stubbornly controlling of children (unless they have a problem child, then they are hands off)
• humorous and witty
• cooks but doesn't follow a recipe - figures it out on their own (and tastes great!)
• likes partners that bend to their will - only if it is something that they care about such as making conversation with the opposite sex and loosing their things.
• marries for companionship or financial stability (without being a gold-digger).
• religious
• although they have a presence, they also have a laid-back way about them

Mars in Gemini

• entitled in relationships
• self-motivated by the need for their own personal mental stimulation
• loves masculinity/obsessed with machismoness
• believes in social popularity - goes along with what they believe is cool which can sometimes be considered lowbrow even in older age
• makes an attempt at trendiness
• cannot keep a job/financially unstable
• outspoken and offensive, opinionated but fickled
• lacks accountability
• loves to plan fun but often lacks follow thru
• drama addict
• likes to tell people their partners are controlling when they themselves are more demanding than they led on
• learns domesticity from their partner, else, are not domestic at all - will attempt to rise to the occasion (and surprisingly doesn't do too bad of a job)
• marries for convenience or gets knocked up (watch out...it's a trick!)
• a believable liar
• loves children for the sake of looking as if they are domestic - likes the kudos of appearing to be a person with responsibilities
• loads of fun when hanging out
• seeks authority positions at work and within their relations to others but their lack of tact and the fact they do not do research lands them in hot water
• Unintentionally use people (they do not do it with malice and feel it's harmless - after all, isn't one-sided favors the definition of friendship/relationships?)
• Values honesty (of others) even if it hurts (real friends/partners tell the truth!)
• conceited
• jealous of siblings who they perceive to be considerably more successful than they are (and will not attempt to hide it)
• does not like to step outside of comfort zone
• gives the impression of being a fighter but talks and yells a lot (relies on the back up of friends)

Mars in Cancer

• entitled in relationships
• self-motivated by their need for their own emotional satisfaction (sorry Cancers...I know you are nurturing and we love you for it but....seeing past your own emotions is a challenge for you)
• compassionate (however, their compassion leads to naivety and they can be open to unscrupulous partners)
• believes in the promises of lovers too easily and holds on to them (suuuurrre you and your good friend, who talks about his/her player ways, will be married in 10 years if each of you cannot find anyone)
• although easily attaches, still maintains a sense of unobtrusive leadership in their relations with others - very tenacious
• tenacity allows them to not give up on their partner or relationships - they have longevity similar to earth signs
• believes in fairness (do not have favorite children, have a hard time choosing amongst best friends)
• surprisingly, domestically they are very very lazy but every now and then will have a surge to cook and clean
• romantically boring (many friends with this placement have had dates where person has cut date short - some are lookers and are smart so my only guess is that maybe they are boring)
• loves children/caretakers (family over everything!)
• moody
• marries for love and best friendship
• likes long conversations
• tries to be a good friend but isn't obsessed with it
• very jealous and unapologetic about partnerships - jealous of same-sex friends who they perceive to be considerably more successful than they are (and will not attempt to hide it)
• will try to solve problems with family, friends, and partners through the 'gift' of counseling
• surprisingly, will step out of their comfort zone (they look at it as self-development)

 

The second four Mars signs tend to be the most relationship oriented to a certain extent and are very adaptable to partners. Relationships, friendships, and the opposite sex is very important to them.

 

Mars in Leo

• adaptable to partner and friends
• focused on their partnership and friendships, very committed to their relationships
• attention seeking, loves to perform
• chases partner - likes the thrill of obtaining admiration from a spouse - likes hard to get
• dedicated to their positions of authority and friendships over family
• non-judgmental
• will allow their children to have a house full of friends (even though they can be slightly resentful about it)
• bold about their actions
• non-introspective
• messy - not very domestic, but likes to cater to partner
• tends to follow the spouses interests (their partner's interests becomes their interests)
• sporty
• always networking to hang out with others
• financial dependence if partner allows it but knows how to be independent if necessary
• financially generous if they have it to spare
• loves to dance (primarily women)
• territorial with partners (not against popping up places to ensure you are staying faithful if they suspect cheating)
• loves children as long as parental responsibilities does not interfere with their hobbies and relationship obligations
• may put partner before children
• win them over by inviting them to the beach

Mars in Virgo

• adaptable to partner and friends (although fussy and resentful about it)
• extremely slow to pursue dating prospects especially if they like them
• may be prone to entering relationships with needy partners
• hyper-critical of their family members and partners
• critical ways stem from the pressure they feel to appear competent and provide financially to others (paying for things for your Mars in Virgo will win you points!)
• easily resentful of financial dependence of others
• obsessive compulsive disorder (kids messiness throws them waayy off balance)
• falls for partners easily but does not make it apparent (good communication is important)
• marries as a means to 'do the right thing' (will not marry if you are messy, financially dependent, or make them feel incompetent)
• loves strip teases
• know-it-alls
• surprisingly are very open to new experiences and likes to stay active (Virgo busyness in full effect - travel is important)
• cleans and cooks
• good with taking care of animals
• attentive parent but needs frequent breaks (mom-caves and man-caves are needed!)
• jealous - will stalk a partner suspected of cheating or leaving
• fights when directly attacked
• once bitten, twice shy - does not take rejection well
• responsible and dependable friend

Mars in Libra

• adaptable to partner and friends
• compromising - does not sweat the small stuff - tactful
• straight forward but tries to be polite about it
• resilient although has to gradually learn resilience
• gentlemen/women - equally likes to cater to partner and be catered to
• surprisingly, extremely vengeful (moreso than Scorpio) - unrelentlessly tit for tat and feels the need to win at all costs (bitchiness on 1000 if crossed)
• ambitious but gets overwhelmed by lack of time from their social calendar - likes the accolades of having an admirable career
• territorial of their partners but too lazy to do much about it (is yelling at someone really worth the effort - it's better to mysteriously disappear and let the person figure it out)
• Likes watching sports (may not avidly keep up with sports or be sports crazy but likes it as a social event)
• very open to new experiences and likes to stay active
• lusty but not in an intense way (avid porn watchers)
• uses people to get their needs met (Libra charm at it's finest)
• extremely flirtatious but faithful
• secretly wants to be knocked up or knock someone up but fears the shame of the opinion of others
• tries to be a good friend
• a partner's looks are extremely important
• does not appear domestic but is domestic in a low-key way (cooks very well but will hire someone to clean or get their mother to do it)
• good with kids but am not against dropping children off to grand-parents on occasion
• win them over by cleaning their house, cooking for them, or throwing them a small party
• to lazy to fight but will use legal means if necessary (don't we pay taxes to police for a reason?)...however, will fight for the underdog
• refined tastes

Mars in Scorpio

• adaptable to partners and friends
• intelligence of a partner is extremely important
• surprisingly, sexually shyer than expected
• low-key ambition, however, work and status is extremely important
• More focused on status than actually getting married - will marry to keep up with the status quo of friends
• likes domestic partners, however, they tend to fall for demanding partners that still somehow manage to take care of them
• non-threatening, not fighters but can be very disrespectful and rude - persistent to state their position - can be punks otherwise
• persistent - does not take 'no' for an answer - always appears/is around
• not prone to faithfulness (they go to whoever has the most candy or makes them looks the best - again, status is important)
• high-standards for others
• ulterior motives in the associates they keep
• picks at the esteem of a partner - often using as a manipulation tactic
• jealous of those of the same sex, such as friends, but not a jealous partner
• girlish/boyish way about them
• will care for children
• physically lazy (but may like to jog)
• not very adventurous (movies and restaurants are the extent of their fun - maybe invite others for drinks at their home)

The last four Mars signs tend to fluctuate between being adaptable in their relationships and pursuing their own self-interests.

Mars in Sagittarius

• fluctuates between being adaptable in their relationships and pursuing their own self-interests
• surprisingly, gold-diggers - money is very important (may be the reason for the Sagittarius entrepreneurial spirit) - if they do not have a stable or lucrative career, may pursue lowbrow means to collect money
• spirited
• non-judgmental and surprisingly very compassionate
• leads with sex
• likes the club on occasions
• open to any activity if it doesn't cost too much, appreciates time with friends
• tries to be a good friend
• uses people
• not very discerning
• surprisingly are into brand names (mostly the women - men, not so much)
• likes to have their way
• women marry for money, men marry for friendship
• fights with words - poignant and slightly caustic
• tries to be fair in their relationships - takes accountability (although may repeat the same mistakes)
• not domestic - expect take-out - will cook to impress you but not an everyday occurrence
• likes kids but doesn't want to pay for them or be tied down with having to discipline them
• does not mind text conversations over phone calls

Mars in Capricorn

• fluctuates between being adaptable in their relationships and pursuing their own self-interests
• wants to appear to have status
• ambitious but success is slow paced due to the need to create their own resistance and/or occasional laziness
• uses success as a means to get back at those who have disappointed them
• will discount the opinions of those who seemingly do not have power and authority many times to their own detriment
• drawn to partners who have power and authority - however, have a hard time landing a partner with power and authority due to the fact they have a tendency to confuse the love of their partner's status with having love for their partner
• pretentious without having their own success - believe they are successful by association (my best friend lives in a mansion, therefore I am someone with status or...my grandparents own two homes, one overseas, therefore I am one with status)  
• If they do not have a high profile job, feels very behind in life but if they do, many of the negative qualities of this placement is negated
• Takes a while to move out on their own (all but one friend I have with this placement live at home and will rarely disclose their actual living arrangements - the one who does live on their own is also one with a high profile job)
• a very good friend - will go out of their way for friends - very appreciative of those who support them
• surprisingly open to new experiences and will take well though- out risks
• can be rude but in a low key, not in your face way (I think they are offending me but, I'm not quite sure)
• does not like to turn down a dare
• witty
• domestic but it does not come naturally, however, they have the patience and tenacity to put great effort into mastering cooking and taking care of children
• has a difficult time really knowing themselves - tends to go with the flow and adapt the interests of those they are closest to - this is most true if they do not have a high profile career
• financially generous - even when they do not have it to spare
• does not take rejection well - can be subtly vengeful (will become caustically nasty out of the blue, will 'accidently' leak your business to the wrong person) 
• can be stubbornly persistent when they need something from someone
• holds their friends, family members, and spouse in very very high regard
• great networkers
• over protective of loved ones especially children
• very good with children - excellent disciplinarians who know how to balance touch love with even handedness

Astrology & Marriage: Why Harry Never Met Sally.

With about 110 million singles across the United States, you would think that many people have chosen the single life by choice-- particularly since the male to female ratio is about 1 to 1 between the ages of 25-40.  In this day and age when connecting with people is a way of life and we are given more advanced technology to do so, you would think that there would be significantly less than 35% of the population tied together (significantly higher if you count unmarried couples).  Even traditional arranged marriages are done online these days.

With shows like Millionaire Matchmaker, making matchmaking more popular, and with the interest in astrology becoming more widespread, matchmakers and astrologers are wracking up the dough cheese.  Yet here we are, the singles club, 110 million strong.

I must say that up until recently, I was never one who was inclined toward marriage or toward a long term relationship.  I had always categorized myself as a "habitual dater".  Casual dating seemed so much fun.  There was always someone new to meet, whether they were weird or normal, and always a new experience around the corner.  I could have three dates a day..breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Best of all, there were never any expectations.  Each person usually understood that it was all for the sake of good company.  A handful have even become great friends of mine who have been great supports when things get a little tough.  From the infamous "Honey Jar Guy" to the "Cave Man to "Mister" to "Mr. Snake Guy"....let's not even mention "The Naked Fat Dude who Invited Me To His House & I Climbed Out His Bathroom Window" guy , I have a long list of dating stories that could go on for days...

It was not until my last relationship where entering a long term commitment became a priority to me.  For one, the dates started to get repetitive.  It felt like the same conversation was happening over and over again.  Secondly, I entered a relationship with someone who I normally would not even look at but somehow felt very tied to (hmmm...I feel another astro blog coming on).  Within this relationship, I felt very content and stable and I surprisingly loved it.  Especially when you get used to a steady stream of support....it was nice.  But inevitably it came to an end and of course it never resulted in a marriage.

So here I am, in my late 20s and somehow I feel that rush to alter feeling gradually seeping up my spine and straight into my heart.  Would this be my biological clock?  Tick. Tick. Tick.  It gets louder by the second.  Even though I enjoy my secret bathroom song performances to Mariah Carey with my boa and the fact I can  go back in forth with being a neat freak to being absolutely disgusting, that gosh darn clock just keeps ticking.

So what do you think is now happening?  Hopefully you guessed it....like the stereotypical woman I have gone batshit crazy!  Bring on the nail biting, the jealousy of new brides, the cooing over every single baby (including baby cats), the secret hope someone will get divorce, and the attraction to married men.  Did I mention I have a psychic and tarot reader on speed dial?  I spend about $50-$85 a month a.k.a.  $600-$1020 a year on my blind psychic and my elder tarot reader regarding my romantic future.  And the questions never change...they are always the same..."When will my next romantic relationship be?" and "What will be the nature of that relationship" and "When?", "When?", "When?".

Of course, just as it is recommended to get a second opinion from a doctor, I have to call multiple psychics to ensure that they say the same thing.  Even though the timing has been disputable, one thing that was consistent is that I am suppose to meet this special somebody out in nature since I love the outdoors.  He will be darker skinned and either his first or last name will begin with a B or J....only time will tell how true this is. Here's hopin'. Fingers crossed.

But I digress, after all, this is an astrology blog.  Why do I insist on turning to these means of determining whether or not I will ever settle down?  Because looking at my natal chart and upcoming long term transits, I just get a sense of doom. Have you ever looked at your chart and thought WTF???  then start frantically looking at other aspects that can "save" you?....maybe it's just me....

Natally, I am pretty stable with not much tension in my chart.  I do not have the ease of trines either.  Mainly sextiles and conjunctions. It's my house placements and transits that always get me...but I guess, you cannot have it all (sigh).

In my role of the new life series entitled,  "Alter Rush", I initially had turned to astrology to determine my propensity toward marriage. Here are some of the astrological characteristics that I feel are important and that have played out in my own life in a variety of relationship situations.  These can also be applied to your significant other or potential significant other (for all you astro stalkers) as well.

Sign & Aspects to The Part of Marriage

The part of marriage is a calculated number so aspects should only be determined with a very tight orb...otherwise it kind of defeats the purpose of using a calculated number.  I would not use an orb of more than 5 degrees but even this may be considered a stretch.

The Part of Marriage can be calculated using the following formula:   Ascendant + Descendant - Venus.

Take me for instance ~  23.09 Virgo + 23.09 Pisces - 3.20 Scorpio = 173.09 + 353.09 - 213.2 = 312.98

Part of Marriage = 12.98 Aquarius

For an easier calculation you could also visit Arabic Parts Calculator.

I have not found a lot of information on POM and I do not think it is widely used by most astrologers since it is a calculated aspect....but so are Midpoints.  Because of this, just like the disclaimer on this blog, what I am writing about the POM is based on what I feel I am observing in my own life.

With a POM in 12.98 Aquarius, I think I have a very detached attitude toward my relationships.  Not detached in terms of not caring but more like preoccupation.  I think I look for partners who can join me in being social conscience and my humanitarian pursuits.  All the guys that I have been drawn to in a relationship sense have been very good with and very into computers. I find that I like taking my partner in group settings or I like going out with the girls when he goes out with the guys and then coming home with the hots for each other.  Too much alone time without a lot of activity makes me bored...and then I go into full preoccupation mode. I believe in having another couple that we are kind of "dating" as a couple. Although Aquarius gets a bad wrap for being non-committal due to their detachment, in actuality as a fixed sign, they are pretty loyal. I also have been pretty vocal about the whole "friends first, lovers later". With Aquarius as the sign of friendship, I tend to enter in relationships with friends.  I also value the friendship aspect over anything else...and if that dies, to me the relationship dies.    

My POM aspects are as follows:

    
Overall it appears that I will have a marriage that will offer long-term stability, will be intellectually stimulating but will be emotionally difficult or unfulfilling.  If I used wider orbs, I will also have a marriage that is lucky, active, sexually fulfilling, and exciting.  

With POM square my Moon (in Scorpio) I have always felt that in any relationship (including friendships), I have to internalize how I feel. I tend to be emotionally unfair with partners in that I require freedom (Aquarius) but do not like to give it (Scorpio).  Because I know that this is unfair, I try to push back how I feel which either causes me personal tension about my relationship or I let it out which causes tension within my relationship. The majority of times I keep it in and try to make light-hearted play about it. I am very emotionally compromising in my relationships and anytime I do not I feel guilty.  I do not like to talk about my dark things or my past...only the ones that make an exciting story.  I can open up to people who I casually date, but not in my long-term relationships. In all my relationships, I have had a great intellectual rapport with the person or the person had an automatic understanding of  me as a person without me having to say much.

I always look at calculated points as a way to sum up the energies of the bodies in a natal chart.  Just as a composite chart is used in synastry.  We can take natal planets and there aspects a part piece by piece but to best simplify their energies all together, I think that is when calculated points become beneficial in eliminating getting lost in the details. Calculated points provide a summary our our natal energies. At least that's how it seems in practice.

I will expand on these aspects in a later blog because I have observed some interesting things regarding the POM and want to dig a little deeper.  Of course even with good aspects to the POM, the planets interacting with the POM should be natally unafflicted as well for these aspects to hold water.

Important Natal Aspects regarding Relationships in General

What holds you back in relationships?  What are your issues with rejection (or non-issues if aspects are positive)? To answer these questions, examine the following natal aspects:
           
             - Sun-Moon
             - Saturn aspects                               (a lot of trouble if afflicted)
             - Pluto aspects                                 (a lot of trouble if afflicted)
             - Quincunxes to personal planets      (indicates problems with confidence)
             - Afflictions to Chiron                       (guilt and subservience)

In my own personal natal chart, I do not have a lot of squares (mainly to Jupiter) or oppositions regarding the aforementioned aspects.  My biggest obstacles have been to deal with the conjunctions which in all instances expect for one are over 3 degrees.   Particularly when dealing with Saturn and Pluto.  I am dealing with a lot of karma in my life and I have often felt that I am paying for past deeds so I am undeserving of a certain type of relationship.  But because it is a conjunction, somehow I can push past a lot of these feelings but it does get exhausting.  It was a lot harder when I was younger when being emotionally sober is such a drag. But it is paying off now that I am older....by a landslide.  As a female, my natal aspects give me too much of a masculine air through my serious and reserved side of me and I find that men are a little resentful of my self-possession and single-mindedness (I am not a tomboy or feminist...just single-minded & straightforward...trust me...I have a shoe obsession!).  I cannot help shake the feeling that they are a little jealous of it and it seems like they try hard to invent ways to get me all up an arms about them.  Side note: In reality, some times I think that guys are so much more fascinated with their own selves and their own bodies than we ladies are and they really do not have a clue that that's the case. lol  Anyways....my Saturn and Pluto conjunctions make me a very resilient individual especially given the fact they are in Scorpio.

My biggest hurdle in my issues regarding rejection stem from my multiple afflictions to Chiron which causes me to give endlessly in order to overcompensate for feelings of insecurity and guilt (hmmmm...this seems to be a running theme in my chart, and I guess my Mars in Libra doesn't help either).  It makes me tip toe into certain situations which an make getting to know me on a deeper level a little difficult.  The good thing about Chiron, positive or negative, I am an inspirational muse for those I encounter. I need to learn that it is okay to just be myself.

The Meat and Potatoes

So after all this yata yata I have been writing about, here is the section that you are probably the most interested in reading out.  These to me, are the main natal conditions that should be considered with determining your (or someone else's) inclination toward marriage or the nature of a marriage (click on images if hard to read)

             

Based on my own natal chart and experience, I do not have any planets posited in my 7th house.  The majority of my planets are posited in my 2nd and 3rd houses.  Hence, I do not have an aversion to marriage I am just not necessarily a person who is all up and arms about it...and if I am, I do so quietly (unless affected by a transit).  I know this is start contrast from what I mentioned earlier about my biological clock...but feel lucky that I let you in on my little secret.  My friends would be shocked to know that I even know what a biological clock is.   My personal aspects to Uranus make me a person who does require a certain degree of freedom and independence but not to the extent that it is extremely detrimental but rather in that it causes a little irritation.  My 5th house ruler is Saturn.  Although I have a positive aspected Saturn for the most part, the 5th house of romance and creativity is actually hampered with this placement. Even though it may make my approach towards the alter seem rather sober and matter of fact, it does not necessarily make less inclined toward being married. I just move slower (slow and steady wins the race right?).  My Venus and Mars do not aspect each other.  I am assuming that that adds a little bit of indifference toward my inclination to marry but does not necessarily hinder me. Or maybe the energies just work in a way that is not readily apparent to me.  I don't know much about what happens when planets are not activated or not activated to another planet.  I have some pretty positive aspects to Venus (ahh ha! there's that biological clock!)....I have a sextile to Neptune (google eyes) and conjunction to Pluto (need to posses a partner).

Transits & Timing

My biggest concern that has sent me on this stream of batshit craziness is that my 7th House is in the mutable sign of Pisces which is an indication of multiple marriages and the fact that Uranus is transiting my 7th house...after Uranus ends it's tour there, Neptune will follow right behind it.  And both Uranus and Neptune are transits lasting 7 and 14 years respectively.  Of course, these transits will probably feel more like 3 and 4 years long but the point is, even if my dream lover should rescue me from singledom the nature of the relationship seems like it will at first be erractic and one of us will be unreliable followed by a period of elusiveness and one of us being a bit submissive.

I am hopeful in that I recently read somewhere (sorry I cannot remember where) that transits are only felt if they are activated by a natal planet.  This is great considering my natal planets would only make positive aspects to any transits in this house with the exception of my Mars (on second thought, I guess not so great) with a possible quincunx thrown in there somewhere.  So if this is true, these transits should be manageable.

I suppose that transits involving any of the outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto) are big indicators of marriage and marriage timing.  I know timing is a big question for most of us and I'd say, just off of personal experience that positive transits involving Venus, Mars, and Jupiter should be good indicators of when you will meet the next serious relationship.  I entered my last relationship when Jupiter was transiting my 7th house.

Just a word to the wise, that if you are divorced you may want to consider looking at your 9th house instead of your 7th house (11 for the third marriage). 

Moon Square Jupiter & Saturn: Hi Mr. Tree! Meet Miss Butterfly

   Anyone who is familiar with astrology knows that in simple terms, the  study of astrology is basically another study regarding the laws of attraction.  Our natal make up of planets, signs, houses, and aspects can lead us to be mesmerized and hypnotized by certain events, things, and people...even aspects of our own selves.  

I am consistently fascinated by the recurring qualities that attract or repel me to certain people and I am always shocked to learn how many of these people share the same astrological qualities.  It's draw dropping each and every time.  These qualities, about eighty-five percent of the time, show up without fail.

For some reason, throughout most of my adult life, I have not only been attracted to but I have been strongly attached to many Moon Square/Opposite/Semi-Square Saturn folks.  The attraction to those with this aspect that I have encountered has been unequivocal compared to other aspects I encounter in the people that have come and gone throughout my life.  In each of these cases, whether good friend or lover - female or male, not one has had the same Moon or Saturn. However, they each have either a Saturn and/or a Moon that aspects my natal Sun or Moon in either a Trine, Sextile or Conjunction.  

Even though this aspect is not the most exact aspect between our charts and other Moon/Saturn aspects are at play, somehow I feel very drawn to the Moon-Saturn natal aspect in their personalities.  In fact, I get pretty obsessed with it.  I am not a technical astrologer and all of my astrological learnings are based off of observation and intuition, but somehow the attraction may be due to my natal Moon Square Jupiter aspect. 

According to Robert Hand in his book Planets in Youth: Patterns of Early Development, the polarity between Jupiter and Saturn is the interplay between expansion versus limitations.  Strong-Jupiter, weak-Saturn folks need to find balance from those with Saturn qualities to become more responsible and disciplined.  Strong-Saturn, weak-Jupiter folks need to find balance from those with Jupiter qualities to become less fearful, narrow, and suspicious.  

Moon Square Jupiter folks like myself, are very emotionally generous to the point that they can be taken advantage of.  I find that I constantly overstate my emotions.  I may kind of like someone and have certain reservations about them but how I actually feel and what comes out my mouth may not completely match.  Instead of just saying "This person is cool but I have my reservations", I'm more likely to say "I am so in love with so and so" then skip a way with a sigh and smile as if I were parading through a field of sunflowers and strawberries.  I'll take a whole 2 hour break at work to take the new intern out to lunch so I can get to know them and so that they can feel welcomed despite what is on my to-do list for the day (I mean, a half hour would suffice right?).  I find that I often get in situations where I am trying to mediate a situation for the sake of the group, usually putting my own personal needs on the back burner.  Then I am usually disappointed when I find that members of the group do not do the same which makes me very depressed....for awhile...then I am back to doing the same thing telling myself "if they get over on me oh well, I can't stop being me!". Hence, I constantly feel like a gradually swinging emotional pendulum where I often get out of touch with my true feelings and confuse myself and others.  I swing back and forth from listening to my emotional gut instincts and vibes which may not always be positive to spin doctoring every emotional situation to be very positive and optimistic. People every once in the blue moon peg me for a liar and exaggerator but I do not feel as if I am either.  Anything I say is the truth at the time but it swings back to something else when I am trying to reconcile the contrasting feelings within me...some times this can happen within the same sentence.  I suggest that when dealing with Moon Square Jupiter folks, look at it as if they are working out a problem out loud and jump in to help them solve it instead of questioning their intent. Moon Square Jupiter folks are emotional in that they are sensitive to others and their environment but they preserve their dignity and will work to keep from forfeiting their self-respect. 

Moon Square Saturn folks on the other hand, act as if they live in an emotional government.  They act as if it is against the law to be frivolously happy. They live their lives as if the law states "He that acts with open happiness and spontaneity will be punished by death" (in my Zeus voice).  Everything is taken soooo literally. They are emotionally self-protective sometimes at the expense of others.  They seem to be constantly plagued by learning the life lesson that their is wisdom in letting go...and that it is okay to look at things from a place of compassion and love without having to reprimand yourself or others.  They seem to accept things as they are and are not inclined to expand and grow.  Often, they struggle with not feeling good enough in their relationships. However, they approach life with a strong sense of values, practicality, and maturity.  They are responsible and do not shirk from work.  

Based on the Jupiter-Saturn polarity, I think this is why the Moon Square Jupiter and Moon Square Saturn interplay is so strong in my life.  Somehow, we tend to emotionally balance each other out and help each other reach an equilibrium.  The squares in our charts make each of us an extremist regarding emotional growth versus emotional restriction.  Together we what I'd like to coin as "trine it out". Bringing each other back to the middle is not always easy but if anyone is going to accomplish the task it is going to be a Moon Square Jupiter person for the Moon Square Saturn and vice versa.  Even though they each can become a little annoyed by the others ways, each senses that there is something to learn and each appreciates the balance that the other brings them.  The Moon Square Saturn person keeps Jupiter's pendulum from moving by helping Jupiter hone in on the heart of what they are truly feeling and teaching them to act accordingly....even if it means things will not be easy.  The Moon Square Jupiter person can actually make the Saturn person feel safe enough to crack a smile not just on their face but be able to smile on the inside....they appreciate someone who can find the good and beauty in people even those with a gruff and hard front.

To the Moon Square Jupiter person, the Moon Square Saturn person is absolutely beautiful and it breaks their heart that person doesn't know it.  They become fixated on trying to bring warmth to a person they admire...someone who has the qualities that they do not have.  The Moon Square Saturn person, although they can be drowning to the Moon Square Jupiter person's optimism, tends to provide an unwavering amount of support for Moon Square Jupiter. 

The interplay between these aspects to me reminds of the flirtation of a butterfly to a strong solid tree.  Trees have no legacy without butterflies and butterflies sustain their lives off of trees. A butterfly will flitter and dance round and round a tree which is unmovable and rooted in the ground, however, they work together in a natural balance where the tree is called home.


Moon Square Jupiter  -  Moon Square Saturn Conversation

Jupiter:  Let's go out this weekend, they are having a GNO event in DC!
Saturn:  I don't like GNO events.  Girly things make me gag.  I'm not girly.
Jupiter: Aww but it would mean a lot to me if you would go.
Saturn: I have a lot to do. Why don't you go with someone who'd enjoy it?
Jupiter: Because, I want to go with someone I like.
Saturn: I went out with you the last time. Hanging with you is too expensive.
Jupiter: Well what is the use of having money if you don't spend it?
Saturn: Everyone doesn't have to do what you want to do just because you like it.
Jupiter:  I'm not trying to force my views on people, I just want to spread happiness.
Saturn:  Well it makes me happy to not go.
Jupiter:  But what about me? You can't just think about what makes you happy.
Saturn:  Why not?
Jupiter:  Because that's boring.  (note: not the real reason they want to say...what they want to say is because it hurts their feelings and they are taking it personally)
Saturn: Well I have my values.
Jupiter: What does this have to do with values?
Saturn: Not everyone has to be spontaneous.
Jupiter:  It's not about spontaneity it's about other people and making other people happy but I'm not saying being self-protective is wrong. Ill pay if you want?
Saturn:  No, Ill pay and Ill drive.
Jupiter: Drive? What do you think Ill kidnap you? Well at least you are going.
Saturn:  I'm not going
Jupiter: You know, you won't loose an arm and no one will die if you go?
Saturn: I know
Jupiter: So what's the big deal? What are you afraid of? (what they really want to asks is why don't you like me?)
Saturn: My mom was really traditional and churchy and wanted me to be girly when I was a tomboy. So I don't like girly events.
Jupiter: Oh, well....I'm afraid of the kool-aid man. He terrifies me! But somehow, I still don't want a roommate even though I sleep with the covers over my head.
Saturn: (falls to ground laughing) You are not afraid of a robber but you are afraid of the kool-aid man? What about Mr. Potatoe Head?
Jupiter: OMG! Not Mr. Potatoe Head! Soooo.......are you going?
Saturn: Okay, not on Friday but let's go on Saturday.

Neptune transiting 6th House: The Twilight Zone

So it's been almost a year since I have started this what I was hoping to be an insightful blog.  However, I have seemed to lost track of time and completely forgotten about this which is unusual since I am typically an avid blogger.  But I digress.....I'll blame it on Neptune transiting my 6th house.

In my previous post, I thought Neptune transiting my 5th house of pleasure, creativity, and romance to be a sword in love.  The thought of having this transit over a 14 year period to me made me think that I'd die sad and lonely....especially since that at the end of the transit, Uranus was (and is currently) transiting my 7th house.  But looking back, living in a romantic dream world was not all that bad.  Probably because natally my Neptune is not negatively aspected nor is the Ruler of my 5th house, Saturn.  I have Jupiter in my 5th house which is square my Moon and Venus which may explain the increased amount of over indulgences.  But overall, any hurts during that period were mostly imagined and I have a very humorous outlook on much of that time period.    It was like being in lalaland and not even caring about the ridiculousness that went on...just kind of pretending to care and being surprised when others took you seriously when I myself wasn't taking myself seriously.

I would tell people who have Neptune transiting their 5th house not to fear.  Go channel this energy by taking an acting class.  If you become dedicated, who knows, maybe you'll become an Oscar winner in a romantic drama.  The only thing you need to stay away from is self-deception.  Just be truthful about everything and maybe the fantasies in your head can play out in real life.

Anyways, enough about this scary planet being in the 5th house.  This post is about the 6th.  I mentioned the 5th because I'm learning that I actually liked Neptune there.  I'm going through a bit of nostalgia about "the good ole days".  Furthermore, my love life is pretty dry and unexciting.  With 14 years of Neptune in my 5th, romantic stability seems kind of boring.  But like I said, Uranus just entering my 7th should make up for it I'm sure.  lol.

As I will claim in most of my posts:

"The great thing about transits, especially long ones, is that I find that they can be divided into trimesters.  I have found that if you divide a long term transit into 3rds, the worst part of a questionable transit will occur in the 2nd trimester.  The first trimester is more like a ramp up, and by the end of the transit you have a handle on the situation.  Hence, a Neptune transit only really feels about 5 years long. You become an expert the life events that surround this transit.  And guess what? No one can tell you differently because after the end of the 2nd trimester, you will KNOW without any doubt how to leverage those situations.  And what is bad about that?"

1st Transit Trimester: (January 2011 - March 2014)

I must say, I HATE NEPTUNE IN THE 6TH HOUSE!!! Uggggh.  There is nothing more frustrating than having to wake up, go to a place that you spend a minimum of 40 hours a week, and deal with the most confusing coworkers you ever seen in your life!  This transit seems to be a lesson in how to navigate through very thick office politics all the while being confused about all your work situations.

I started this blog around the time I started my current job.  The reason I have not updated this because I spend the majority of my time trying to sort through my endless confusion about work.  It's not fun being confused about the source of your bill payments.  In fact, it's pretty scary.  Questions that have crossed my mind during this transit as it pertains to my current position:

1.  Who the hell is my manager?  I have no idea who I report to? And who is working in HR for me to not know this?
2.  What the hell is my job? I guess I'll make it up as I go along?
3.  Why are my coworkers always asking me to train them to do their job?  And why do I always jump up and comply to this need, who am I? Captain Save A Hoe?
4. Why is there 6 people working on this project who work in different departments and do not communicate to each other?  And why am I the one who has to sort it out?
5.  What did my supervisor mean at my performance review by the criticism he gave me? No matter how I slice it, I don't see what he was talking about? So how do I know what to improve on?
6.  Am I speaking Japanese when I say things, because it seems people take things the exact opposite?
7.  Am I too reserved at work or am I too aggressive cause I keep getting mixed signals?
8. I swear this coworker just insulted me, but I'm not sure.
9. I've always known my direction in life, so why all of a sudden when upper management asks me "where do you see yourself in your career" my answer is "I don't know, I just want to be useful".
10. Why do I feel I am constantly being manipulated about my position?

With Neptune in the 6th house, everyday feels like you are walking through the twilight zone and you begin to question if you are crazy or if the world is crazy.   You find more circumstances where you feel the need to be on guard of coworkers and very rapidly your life begins to resemble an episode of "The Good Wife".  Everyday the overall question coloring your life is "Who can I trust at work to ensure I can keep my job".  Taken from the most recent episode of "The Good Wife"...be on guard and keep in mind "the people who judge, lie the most".

It's come to a point that I have to walk around with a small weight in the palm of my hand to ensure that I'm grounded like in the movie Inception. lol.... not really, but it feels as if I should.

I also noticed that I get up out from my desk about five times a day.  Sticking to the the everyday routine is becoming increasing harder and harder.  Usually, I have been more than happy to plunk myself at my desk and stay there the rest of the day.  To help me focus, I now listen to audio books to keep my imagination moving while getting through the sometimes painstaking details of the day-to-day grind.

I have become very very accommodating toward my coworkers and have a hard time saying no.  So much so that my boss actually had to tell me to stop saving people.  In his words "For the next month, start vocalizing your concerns and see how good it feels".  The purpose of this sit down with my boss was to address the fact I felt I was being looked over and that others were taking credit for my ideas.  The gist of his advise was that I needed to set more boundaries and stop being so unconditionally helpful.  I still have not put his advice into practice since I feel guilty for not being there for others.  But baby steps right?

Sorting through the haze of my work life has become so incredibly exhausting and I feel that I am having a major life lesson in PATIENCE.  Everyday, the question that plagues my mind the most is: How long will this go on? And even though I feel like I'm a very blessed person, my soul aches for much more.

I have even gotten acquainted with my HR department.  I was raised to not be a snitch.  So going to HR for me was a very hard decision to make because I did not want to feel like I was throwing them under the bus. Furthermore, I just didn't want to be mean.  I reconciled the decision with myself by saying to myself "I am trying to find ways to keep everyone happy and I just want more clarity regarding my work situations".

As far as health is concerned, I haven't had any real experiences.  Just one small incident that I never found a  resolution to.  I went to see the doctor and I had no idea what he was talking about.  But the "ailment" came and went.  At the same point in time, I went to get my inhaler refilled only for this doctor to un-diagnose me and tell me I didn't have asthma after I have been dealing with it since college.  The only doctor's appointment that I had during this transit, left me distrustful of doctors.  I remember telling a friend, "Are the qualifications for doctors going down or something?".  Since then, I have relied on eating healthy and have made a complete lifestyle change in how I eat.  So far, I haven't really gotten sick (knock on wood). Because I know this transit is likely to make you tried weird diets, I did a lot of research before making the lifestyle change.  

Resolutions: (ideas to help you channel the energy of this transit trimester)

1. Listen to audio books while doing daily routine to help focus
2. Take a painting class
3. Decorate your office, desk, or place you spend most of your day to day time with artwork or flowers.  Get creative with your space.
4. Confide in few.  Bringing more opinions in the mix just makes the fog thicker.
5. Stop visiting the tarot readers and psychics.....see number 4.
6. If you are confused...say it.
7. Find a mentor but don't give them the tasks of saving you.  If they attempt to without you asking, remember it's an attempt...don't expect too much.
8. Join water aerobics
9. Volunteer
10. Choose to be optimistic (yes, indeed it's a choice)
11. I know this may sound weird but choose an animal that you want people to see you as (mine is swan) and put a picture of that animal on your desk....some ideas of animals to use can be found at the following site << The Animal in You >>
12. Utilize HR to help you maintain objectivity of your work situations.

2nd Transit Trimester: (March 2014 - May 2018)

Last I updated this post was on April 22, 2012 when I wrote about the 1st trimester of Neptune in the 6th house. I must say that my theory holds true. That the prominent part of any transit is the 2nd trimester. It takes a certain level of vigilance and planning during this time, particularly if there are any afflictions. As mentioned, the 6th house deals with your day-to-day routines, your job, your coworkers, and your health. All have been tremendously impacted during this transit....and I am exhausted. I want to get out of this part of this transit ASAP. I'm counting down the days....about 2.5 years to go (this is posted on December 10, 2015). Blah! I am drained by people and the emotional service I've been asked to provide them...I officially wish I was rich enough to live on my own island but this transit pushes you to be involved with people. I want to escape but you might as well just start calling me Cinderelly!

During this transit, I have had six jobs. I was laid off on two and terminated from one. The other jobs, I resigned because of very heavy, deceptive politics which would have resulted in either a lay off or termination. Being true to Neptune, I now have an imaginary job. LOL. Did anyone watch the show Martin? There was a character on Martin named Tommy who used to pretend he was going to work, when he mentioned he was going to work the rest of the cast would turn and say "Tommy, you aint got no job!". I was a contractor working on a government contract. The contract recently came to an end because the company I worked for could not produce the quality of work in the statement of work to the client. But, I have told everyone I know that I work from home. I recently got a roommate to help with the bills since I am unemployed, but the roommate believes I work from home everyday. I hide my mail from the department of labor and told him the mailbox key copy I made for him somehow doesn't work so I must get a new one made. Poor guy!

Just to clarify, I have a well aspected 10th house and aspects to Saturn. So I am not in anyway a slacker or poor job performer. Also, my 6th house is Aquarius and is ruled by Uranus. My Uranus is natally well-aspected as well. I approach work in a progressive way and am very universal and inclusive of coworkers. Most of my coworkers have become long time friends. I have had a string of managers who have all been pathological liars which I did not react to fast enough. If you are currently undergoing this transit and are in the 2nd trimester, whoever you report to is most likely someone who cannot be trusted. If you feel they are out for you, do not let Neptune convince you it's just your imagination, because they are! Neptune is in Pisces. Use the Piscean strengths to help with this transit - don't lolly gag and trust your intuition. Use your Neptune power and escape as soon as it's apparent. Become your own version of a hologram if you must! Or when all else fails....LIE! lol I must learn that my progressively ruled 6th house should become muted (transit Neptune is square my Uranus) and I need to find a balance between pursuing my own independent interest versus pursuing the interest of others in my quest to change the world.

I do not feel like a victim which a Neptune transit often suggest. Rather, I feel I'm surrounded by victims. I feel that on the day-to-day, I am constantly in service to others who are constantly playing the victim. My "best friend" spent MY birthday celebration looking for reassurance as to whether or not she was smart enough to hang with my other friends. She has also spent most of this year crashing on my couch. I recently bought a house. She offered to throw a party to celebrate. When I showed up to the celebration, it was actually a set up so she could get me to help her build a website (she brought herself a new laptop, when we went out to eat afterwards, me and her brother paid for the whole dinner). There are other stories involving friends and family members but I won't detail them today. Not all involve someone being  a little bit deceptive, but empathizing with others and always providing some service to them can be exhausting nonetheless. It seems I am surrounded by takers but I could learn to put up more boundaries.

I don't feel like I'm in a fog or twilight zone as I did in the 1st trimester. I think that I've become more discouraged regarding the lack of compassion of others. Don't worry, during this transit health has become a central issue. I have my psychologist on speed dial! lol. I see her every other week. Not only have I had a focus on my mental health but my physical health as well. Most astrological text say that this transit brings about mysterious ailments. Whelp....they were surely right about that! This year I have experienced 3 different physical health issues. 2 have been resolved but 1 is remaining. They have an idea of what they think it is (I have moderate chronic pain in my left side but all test are clear) but have not been diagnosed with anything. Without a solid diagnosis, insurance companies will not cover certain medications. Sooooo....at the suggestion of my doctors surprisingly, I have gone a more holistic approach for pain management. I take up to 4 different type of supplements a day and have had to change my diet (no more red wine...wahhhhhhh!!!) buuutt....the holistic route has been working! I can finally get back to exercising again because the pain has significantly decreased.

There is good news with this transit (I read my post and think 'dannnngg I have some bad juju'). I made a career change into the healthcare field and finished my Masters in Health Science. I did not pursue this simply because of the transit but, somehow that is where my journey has led me. I used to be in marketing so it's such a switch but so far, in spite of the crazy work environments, I feel a lot more engaged in the work that I do. I feel I have found connection to a higher purpose.

I also started a business in reading birth charts and astrology consultations during this transit (will provide link to up and coming website).

Spiritualism has also been a focus. Natally, I have Mars square Neptune which often hinders your self-confidence. With this transit, however, my confidence has been tested enough to be strengthened (or perhaps its just the influence of getting older). I am agnostic. For anyone who is agnostic, some times it feels like you have to 'come out the closet' so to speak. Especially if the majority of people (i.e. family) you interact with are frequent church goers. I have been asked and probed about my religious beliefs during this transit. I have always felt embarrassed about being agnostic but during this transit, I've learned to express it and stand by it. So you could say, this transit has brought about a personal spiritual evolution. Many people have been pretty open while simultaneously trying to convert me. lol. But the experience has not been all that bad. I have also taken an interest in Buddhism, which is non theistic, but haven't really delve too deep into it...we will see where this goes....I am not quite sure if this occurrence is due to my Neptune in 6th or if I should be giving thanks to transit Jupiter in my 12th???

During this transit, it is noted that you will want to be around animals and I must say, I have been obsessed with getting a puppy!

Just a quick note...as with any transit, it is important to look at transit aspects to natal aspects at any given point in time. It is also just as important to look at the aspects to your house ruler - specifically if you do not have any natal planets in this house. These could provide clues as to what you could do to either embrace or mitigate the energies of a transit. For instance, a guy I used to date also has an Ascendant in Virgo just like me. So our transits through the houses run neck and neck. However, although similar issues arise in our lives, they play out in different ways.

My 6th house ruler, Uranus, is for the most part, well-aspected except it is square my Ascendant. I have a rebellious streak on the surface. This aspect is also 'activated' by the Neptune transit which squares my Uranus. I may need to take extra care not to push for my independence as it will negatively impact my 6th house activities. I have seen how this has played out within my work environment. It has not been anything overly dramatic but some places you work just are not ready to take the leap into a more progressive version of themselves. It would probably be useful to pace myself to prevent constant and sudden change.

The guy I used to date has a Uranus that squares his Moon, semi-squares Pluto and a Moon (since it's involved with Uranus) that squares Saturn. He could be a little bit ruthless about his independence/uniqueness and in his domestic life had an impulse to dominate in a Uranian way. It was difficult for him to take accountability because of his defensiveness. These lunar influences impacted his work, although we think of the Moon impacting us more domestically. During this transit, he was suspended from his job as a police officer twice (in 2 different relationships) for disruptive disputes outside of work. He was surprised by the lack of comraderie from his coworkers and had to use Neptune's power of deception to wiggle his way out of trouble. Since Saturn is brought in the mix through these connected aspects, this impacted him negatively financially (Saturn transiting the 2nd).

I've decided to post transit resolutions for each trimester instead of the transit as a whole since based on my own experience, it seems it differs as the transit progresses.

Resolutions: (ideas to help you channel the energy of this transit trimester)

1. Get a psychologist
2. Get a dog (or pet) - particularly a breed that is considered a service animal, while you are servicing others your dog could fill the missing void
3. Wear a necklace with your lucky number
4. Keep your own counsel regarding your daily affairs
5. Work out
6. React to your intuition with a sense of urgency

3rd Transit Trimester: (May 2018 - February 2023)

Neptune transiting 5th House: Pretty Little Liar

On January 10, 2011, Neptune finally ended it's very annoying tour through my 5th house.  Neptune transiting your 5th house is said to cause you much confusion in your dating life and you have a "I have to save you" attitude toward your partners.  You can self-delude yourself into thinking that the object of your affection is more than what they really are and you only see what you want to see in romantic situations.

Of course, hearing this for those with a Neptune in the 5th house can leave you disappointed and cringing.  You may think "Oh no, for the next 14 years my romantic life will be a disappointment".  I am here to tell you, Neptune transiting anything in your chart is nothing to fear.  The great thing about transits, especially long ones, is that I find that they can be divided into trimesters.  I have found that if you divide a long term transit into 3rds, the worst part of a questionable transit will occur in the 2nd trimester.  The first trimester is more like a ramp up, and by the end of the transit you have a handle on the situation.  Hence, a Neptune transit only really feels about 5 years long. You become an expert the life events that surround this transit.  And guess what? No one can tell you differently because after the end of the 2nd trimester, you will KNOW without any doubt how to leverage those situations.  And what is bad about that?

Neptune began transiting my 5th house in December of 1996.  I was 11.  So imagine, college dating was filled with disappointment and drama, drama, drama.  I probably could write a whole book about it.  I have provided a breakdown of the transit trimesters as follows:

1st Transit Trimester: (December 1996 - February 2001) 


The funny thing is, contrary to what most may believe about this transit, my romantic life was anything but romantic and colorful for the first 5 years.  However, the self-delusion was very prominent.  During this time, I would simply make-up my romantic escapades with the opposite sex.  I had attracted a lot of attention but my dream world was much more fascinating than the those who were pursuing me.  For instance, I'd meet a guy and we would have a great connection but, I would not follow up on it.  If he called, I may flirt and talk to him but after awhile, I'd stop associating with him.  But sadly, that's not how I would tell the story to my friends.  If I met a guy at the skate ring, suddenly the skate ring became the park by the lake during sunset.  If he called me to invite me out with his brother, I'd decline the invitation but if friends asked me "what happened with such-n-such" I'd tell them about the great time I just had meeting his brother.

I found that during this time, I also tended to always victimize myself in these magic carpet fairy tales.  Like once the story was that I was dating this guy from Mexico, Jose, and I was sad that his family got caught without a green card and had to be deported.  Before his deportation, of course we had a whirlwind romance so him leaving left me devastated.  The Real Story:  Jose was this boy who lived three doors down from me.  He had a crush on me but I found him and his brothers annoying. He was not even Mexican, he was black.

I hadn't even kissed a boy at this time and I was a late bloomer compared to the rest of my peers in terms of my pursuit of the opposite sex because the dream world was good enough for me.  The reality of most young relationships from what I heard from my peers did not attract me.  There stories weren't magical enough.

Me and my younger sister have different rising signs but they are practically conjunct.  I'm late in Virgo and she is early in Libra.  So our transits through our houses tend to pretty similar.  I can say without a doubt that around this time, the both our us were Pretty Little Liars.

In her world, I was her half-sister.  She told everyone that she and my older sister had a different father than I. ...that my mother had my older sister, left their father, met my father and had me, and then went back to her father.  Now she was back with my father and my sister's father lived in New York.  The Real Story: She did this because she did not like our father. We are a full blooded duo.  Our older sister is biologically our paternal cousin who we called our sister because she lost both her parents at an early age.  We have no relatives in New York.

I guess we felt that these were innocent lies that did not effect anyone but our own imagination.  At the time, it seems a little strange and weird if I would have ever encountered people like us...but looking back on it, I find it absolutely hilarious!

2nd Transit Trimester: (February 2001 - January 2006) 

In 2001 I moved to a new neighborhood with some incredible looking eye-candy! At the time I was about 15 or 16.  We moved to a slightly worse neighborhood at that so me and my sister were the only virgins.  The girls in this neck of the worlds were pretty fast.  Many rumors were spread around town about who could get us or supposedly got us and bets were made. However, the following summer I had my first official boyfriend and had my first kiss at the age 16....contrary to all the stories that I had told before about my magical whirlwind romances.  And at the time, I could have sworn I found my soul mate.  The most interesting part about it is that he always claimed I didn't like him.  I did not know how to be a good girlfriend because once again, I found greater solace in my dreams than actually want to put it into practice.  I was involved with him for 6 years off and on.  I dated other people tho while I was away at college.  He was not all that I made him to be.  He lived at home, could not keep a job, and slept with pretty much anything with a vajayjay.  But I self-deluded myself into thinking that I was comfortable with being friends with benefits, that he was only doing it because he had trust issues and just needed someone to love him, etc...

At the same time, because Neptune has no boundaries, like I said I also dated other people. However, I never deemed it as cheating.  And there was drama concerning those situations as well....so I was getting pulled in all types of directions.  They continued to pile on each other because I never blamed myself for anything.  I was always the victim and I allowed the drama to consume my life.  This was a very intense period in my life and I felt always very heartbroken that I drank a lot and experimented.  I worked hard and played harder and my partying got way out of hand that I got suspended from college. It wasn't until the end of this trimester when I finally let it all go.

My sister ended up having a kid during this time and I resented the fact that I had to help her take care of him. I was not kid friendly at the time and I was pretty mean to my nephew but of course I told people differently and praised myself for my parenting abilities (please do not cringe, that is soooo far from the case today!  I love that little boy as he was my own.)

3rd Transit Trimester: (January 2006 - January 2011) 


In January 2006, I made a pact with myself to not date anyone and to focus on completing my degree. This pact was not official until about January 2007.  I spent two years during this time period celibate and did not date anyone.  I went online once but after the first phone call with a potential, I kept it real with myself about how the relationship would all play out and decided to keep it moving.  I graduated college and did not get involved with anyone until September 2009.  Throughout this relationship I never felt out of control or without boundaries or self-deluded.  I felt that because of my past experience throughout this transit that I now had a refined understanding toward romance, self-expression, creativity, and pleasure.  In fact, many of my old roommates referred to me as "grandma" around this time because I was whole heartedly against the partying and dating scene.  My boyfriend thought I was a very mature individual and had a hard time picturing me as a party girl who was very flirtatious, he had a harder time believing I used to make up things as I am now a person with unwavering integrity....more so than most.

I must say, that Neptune did not completely leave me altogether, as the relationship that I was in during the third trimester I still had that "let me save you" mentality.  My boyfriend used to ask me "why do you keep trying to fix me".  I was convinced that he had an extreme case of low self-esteem so I spent much of our relationship trying to push him out his comfort zone and help build his confidence.  But in December 2010, I gave up and told myself "I'll never date another broken person" (which may be hard to do considering Neptune rules my 7th house).  I told him to see a therapist.  I stopped talking to him for 3 months and when we reconnected this transit had ended.  I saw him completely differently.  I was so excited to see him and the feelings were definitely still there...until he opened his mouth.  lol.  I guess the rose-colored glasses have finally fell and broke off my face......now let's see how Neptune works in the 6th house.....back to the ramp up.....

Just a quick note...as with any transit, it is important to look at transit aspects to natal aspects at any given point in time. It is also just as important to look at the aspects to your house ruler - specifically if you do not have any natal planets in this house. These could provide clues as to what you could do to either embrace or mitigate the energies of a transit. 

My Jupiter is posited in my 5th house. During this transit my Jupiter and its associated aspects were 'activated' by the Neptune transit.Transit Neptune made a conjunction to my natal Jupiter. Jupiter is square my Moon, Venus, and Pluto. Jupiter is sextile my Mercury and trine my Mars. Jupiter expands what the planet it touches and, when squared, is prone to over exaggeration and over indulgence. The transits conjunction to Jupiter expanded Neptune qualities. I felt a greater inclination toward fantasy and imagination. With Neptune activating my Jupiter aspects, I was prone to emotional/domestic, romantic/social/monetary, and sexual/transformative exaggeration and indulgences. However, I was able to communicate these fantasies in a very convincing manner (Jupiter sextile Mercury) and was able to garner admiration (Jupiter trine Mars). 

My sister dosen't have any planets posited in her 5th house, but, her house ruler is Uranus. Natally, Uranus is square Mercury and semi-square Pluto. She has a very rebellious mind and tends to fight against opposition. Neptune's involvement in activating this square may be the reason why she felt the need to disassociate or oppose our father through her imagination. During this transit in her chart, her will was incorrectly applied to promote change (or in a broader sense, revolution). She was also known to make up stories about violent acts against her that did not happen. But she was also someone who did confront a lot of conflict in her relationships. She would either exaggerate the confrontations or mistell the stories. 

Resolutions: (ideas to help you channel the energy of this transit)

1. Fully dedicate yourself to acting.  You will do well and can probably go far.
2. Say in the mirror "I am a liar" and make a conscious effort to tell the truth.
3. Write a book...fiction would be best.
4. Moderate drinking, no drugs. 

The Astrology Experiment

My name is Chandra Alima and I have been studying astrology for almost 20 years.  I have read many books and have consulted many experts in my pursuit to enhance my knowledge.  However, I find that I have developed my knowledge in this area just by talking and observing the people around me.

When people have asked me: So, tell me about my sign?  Or I have a Mars in Taurus, what does that mean?  I find that requoting "text book" descriptions tend to leave most people a little skeptical.  I find when I start describing someone I have met or personally know who posses similar attributes in their birth charts, I get that WOW look.

Of course, there are times when people who are more versed in astrology than the average want to know something more in depth regarding things like transits, or the influence of minor planets, or minor aspects that are really hard to observe.  And anything you read and with most that I have consultant, there is a lack of depth to the answers that they will give you.

The purpose of this blog is primarily to use my own self as a walking, talking astrology experiment so to speak.  I want to be able to have a record of the "realness" and depth behind different astrological occurrences that happen within my and other's that encounter's charts.

Please feel free to let me know your thoughts as I take this journey.

Peace,

Chandra Alima