When I first started studying astrology, eclipses scared the heck out of me. And I did understand (somewhat at least) the astronomical events involved. Imagine the terror in the hearts of ancient peoples when the sky would inexplicably darken and the sun seemed to disappear.

Our entry into what astrologers call “eclipse season” came this year on January 26^th, the first of an unusual six (two solar, four lunar) eclipses to occur this year. These celestial events are typically associated with upheaval and disruption, but despite the bad rap, these times can be ultimately beneficial and bring much needed transformation into our lives.

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth so that the Sun is wholly or partially hidden. Eclipses can only occur during a New Moon when both the Sun and Moon are together in the same sign — and add power to an otherwise routine monthly cycle. Many people use New Moon energy to plant seeds, start new projects, buy new things, make new contacts. Things begun at these times tend to grow well.

Add to this the energy of the solar eclipse — external, paternal, protective and active. Having both the Sun and Moon in the same sign brings added focus and intensity to that energy. During a solar eclipse the warmth and light of the Sun are withheld for a small window of time and we may feel a lack or absence — a sense of missing energy.

The first eclipse of this year came at 06:30 Aquarius, an intellectual air sign that represents group activities, social pursuits, humanitarian efforts, brotherhood, friendship — and the urge to join. Think outside the box now. Look to the future with positive and hopeful vision. Brainstorm and socialize… expect support and work to be objective… detached from past habits that may not have served you well. This energy gives us the chance to make progressive changes. In this particular solar eclipse there’s a close aspect to expansive Jupiter, enlarging and extending these feelings.

Eclipses are important to us personally when they create a close aspect to planets or points in our own natal birth chart. It’s not uncommon as you start to study astrology to look on these happenings with dread and trepidation, but as with all astrological events, these periods can bring needed change that wouldn’t have come about any other way. Solar eclipses are especially associated with beginnings.

If you find that an eclipse (either solar or lunar) comes within 1 to 2 degrees of a natal point in your chart, the parts of life governed by the house involved are activated, and may remain so for 6 months to up to 2 years afterward. The sign of the eclipse will also play a role in the events that might be triggered — Aquarius is a group oriented, intellectual, detached energy. How this all plays out for you personally depends on the point aspected and the sign and house where the eclipse takes place.

Those born with natal planets or points from 01 to 12 Aquarius, or at these degrees in the other fixed signs — Taurus, Leo or Scorpio — are likely to feel the current eclipse more intensely. Conditions you didn’t know existed may be revealed… look for beginnings (or endings) around you, or you may come to a final, clear understanding of a person in your life.

It’s also been my experience that the message of the eclipse is delivered within four days of the event… so anytime this week. While there can be variation in timing, the day of the eclipse, a month to the day following the eclipse (in our current case, February 26^th), plus four days are the periods to watch.

If an eclipse doesn’t impact a point in your own birth chart, you can view these as times of new beginnings… sometimes bringing the fall of the mighty. Stress is typically felt in the matters governed by the sign or sector of the zodiac… in this case original, inventive Aquarius. Sometimes the locations on the globe where the shadow of the eclipse falls can experience disruption, political crises, or civil unrest.

No matter what happens, in your own personal chart or to the world at large, eclipses harness the energy of change… a push forward in the direction we need to go. Something ends and something begins.

Another interesting tidbit about the eclipses to come this year? 2009 will see the longest eclipse of this century this summer on July 22^nd, lasting 6 minutes and 39 seconds in the sign of practical, hardworking Capricorn. But more on that later…

- Susan Morgan

One of the most important insights that astrology has to offer is the understanding that life unfolds through a complex interplay of cycles. People, things, ideas, and institutions are born, develop, mature, and fade away, only to appear again in a new form. Astrologically, these cycles follow the course of the Sun, the Moon, and the other planets around the circle of the Zodiac.

The moment when a planet returns to its position in the birth chart is of special importance, because it signals the end of one cycle and the beginning of another. These moments are known as planetary returns. Each new cycle takes its unique characteristics from the positions, aspects, and transits occurring at the moment of the return. Casting a chart for this moment and comparing it to the birth chart can show us the “seeds” that are planted and will develop during the upcoming cycle.

While every planet eventually returns to its starting place in the birth chart, certain cycles are more important in the lives of individuals than others. The sun is often called the heart of the solar system, and its yearly return, on or near each individual’s birthday, is like the heartbeat of a life. Lunar returns, occurring roughly every 27 days, mark short-term cycles relating to emotions and daily events, while the returns of Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn map out broader cycles affecting an entire lifetime.

Mercury and Venus each complete a cycle within a month of the solar return, and their returns are seldom felt separately from the solar cycle. Uranus makes a cycle only every 84 years, so many people never experience a Uranus return; Neptune and Pluto never complete a cycle within an individual’s lifetime.

Solar Returns

Birthdays, and the solar returns that occur at or around the same time, are important milestones, when we take stock of our progress through life and renew our sense of purpose and importance. Because the sun acts as our “center” in astrology, a solar return chart can be valuable in analyzing the major influences involved in the upcoming year. Like progressed charts, the solar return chart is one of the major predictive techniques in the astrological repertoire, and a wealth of information on interpreting solar returns is available both online and in print.

Lunar Returns

The moon’s cycle is involved with the shifting, transitory concerns of our moods and day-to-day lives. There are thirteen lunar returns each year; by following these cycles, individuals can gain insight into changing conditions at home and at work, and can help to separate important realities from passing phases. A lunar return chart can identify areas in which effort will be rewarded, as well as aspects of our life that should be allowed to lie fallow in the upcoming month.

Mars Returns

Roughly every two years, Mars returns to its original place in the birth chart, bringing with it a new cycle of ambition and resolve. A Mars return chart shows the nature and progress of long-term projects, and can help to define goals and to clarify the actions that are necessary for meeting them. Whether these goals are personal or related to work or social desires, understanding the Mars cycle provides a useful tool for planning our strategies and approaches.

Jupiter Returns

Jupiter’s cycle lasts roughly 12 years, and is connected to patterns of growth and development; Jupiter returns are often felt as times filled with pleasure and plenty. The first Jupiter return coincides roughly with the onset of puberty and the end of childhood, while the second Jupiter return, around age 24, signals an individual’s entry into the full responsibilities and freedoms of the adult world. A Jupiter return chart may provide clues regarding areas of life where an individual can experience significant growth and development in the upcoming decade. However, since the Jupiter cycle is so long, the events and patterns which it describes may take many years to develop, and may be fairly subtle in their effects.

Saturn Returns

The first return of Saturn to its starting place in the birth chart occurs between the ages of 27 and 30. During this time, many individuals feel a sense of maturation and clarity of focus, as the Saturn cycle describes an individual’s “life work,” including major decisions regarding careers (as opposed to an individual job), relationships, and way of life. This is a time in which the most important concerns in an individual’s life may become clear, while distractions fall away. Like Jupiter’s, Saturn’s long cycle marks important turning points in our lives, while its effects on a day-to-day basis might be less evident.

One other cycle that is important in many people’s lives is the moment when Uranus stands exactly opposite its place in the birth chart, at about age 42. Uranus is the planet of sudden changes in thinking and of breaking out of old boundaries. The fabled “mid-life crisis” is linked to Uranus’ half-cycle, but the effects of this transit do not have to involve sports cars or divorces. Rather, this is a time when many people learn to express long-repressed desires and to allow themselves to look beyond the narrow borders which they have built for themselves.

Each of us lives a life that is rich with patterns and complex beyond imagining. Astrology, with its cycles of growth and decay, beginnings and endings, offers us an important tool for making sense of these patterns.

- Daniel Nighting

Some designers say the zodiac can help in selecting the best furniture and decorations for a room. Designing a room based on your astrological sign can be important, especially if you share a room with a roommate—like two sisters, two brothers or a dorm mate. Since a room’s design and decorations are all about expressing one’s individual attitudes and personality, the things that should go into a room, like colors and textures, can be key in making a person feel “at home” with their surroundings.

Noting the date, time and location of one’s birth, and consulting astrological charts can save two people needless aggravation. For example, the rising sign — determined by the time you were born — reflects the way you project yourself to others. Your ruling planet — determined by the position of the planets at the time of your birth — reflects your core qualities.

Based on astrological charts, these things can determine whether someone is traditional or eclectic, playful or serious. It’s important to consider the ways one can combine the different elements into a room.

A sofa or large padded loveseat, for example, can represent a leaning toward more traditional things. On the other hand, choosing a vibrant color for a piece of furniture can reflect a quirky nature. Desks and bookcases can be seen as one’s need to continue his or her learning process. Photos of landscapes, meadows and trees, for example, will be appreciated by the earthy nature of Capricorns.

Overall, what one should consider when sharing a room is to find elements of each roommate’s personality in every piece. It’s just another way to ensure a more harmonious relationship.

- Alex A. Kecs

There is no replacing the information you can receive from a personal natal chart interpretation, but if you are just delving into the world of astrology for the first time you can get a basic idea of how all the planetary bodies were aligned at your time of birth by casting your own birth chart. It takes years of experience to interpret all this information and explore how it affects your personal life, romantic relationships, career, financial situation, home and other aspects of life. But for just a simple overview of the astrological “you,” and all your strengths and weaknesses, one of these home charts is a fine place to start. All you need is pen and paper, and a good book on astrology. Once you get started, though, chances are that you will yearn for the technical skills of an experienced astrologer to dig deeper below the surface of your horoscope.

The first step in creating a basic birth chart is to draw a circle with 12 different sections of equal size like cutting a pie, and a smaller circle in the middle. The first slice in the bottom left quadrant of the pie is the first house. The smaller circle in the middle can be used to number the 12 houses starting at that point. Now, your first house will not necessarily be the first sign of the zodiac. The first house is actually your Ascendant, which can be calculated by using an ascendant table or by making a wheel to do an approximate calculation based on your exact time of birth. There are books that explain this further. If you’re getting into astrology you’ll want to get some basic books that explain this and other elemental horoscope calculations. Once you have the first house in place, then you can label all the other 11 houses in the order that they follow the sign of your Ascendant in the first house.

To complete your basic birth chart, you’ll need to be able to determine not only what your sun sign and moon sign are, but you must also be able to determine where all the planets were on your date of birth. Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto will each have been in a specific sign on the date of your birth. Some planets (like Mercury) move into a new sign practically every month, while other signs (like Pluto) can stay in the same sign for years because they move through the zodiac so slowly. Again, there are books and online resources that will have all this information.

Once you know what signs all the planets were in when you were born, then you can write the names of the planets into the slices of the corresponding signs that those planets were in on your date of birth. Then you will be able to see which houses you have planets in, and which signs those houses are in. It is helpful to also make a list that is broken into columns starting with the names of the planets, then listing what sign that planet was in at your date of birth, and saving the final column to list which house that sign is in for you. This will make it easy to look up information regarding the planets in the 12 houses, and what it means when each planet is in each of those 12 houses. Each house represents a different facet of life such as self, home or mental exploration and there are different strengths and weaknesses that people will tend to have in each of these areas depending on what planet that house was in when they were born.

While it can be very fun and informative to make a birth chart at home and read further to interpret that chart, there is no replacing the interpretation of a real astrologer. A personalized birth chart interpretation breaks down your horoscope in the deepest possible ways and provides a wealth of knowledge and insight into all your strengths and weaknesses.

- Gaia Veenis

Your child has been endowed with his or her own gifts, challenges, and a unique, predestined journey. All of which are portrayed by the planetary patterns in an astrological chart. Knowing your child’s zodiacal archetype can help you become a better parent. Because you’ll be able to adapt your parenting style to your child’s unique personality.

The point is, your child’s birth chart can offer key insights into their personal and developmental needs. More importantly, the combination of your birth chart and your child’s birth chart can reveal quite a bit about your parent-child relationship. Certain signs fit together like puzzle pieces; others are like square pegs in round holes. Comparing two charts to reveal and understand the dynamics and needs of a relationship is called synastry. The word synastry comes from the Greek prefix “syn” – bringing together and “astron” – a star.

Since the Sun in a birth chart represents our basic sense of identity, and the Moon in a birth chart represents what we need to feel safe, nurtured and happy, one of the most basic and yet profound way to make a comparison is to look at the Sun and Moon placements of each person and see how the needs and styles of each compare. If you can understand how your child receives and perceives love, and how it differs from the way you show and perceive love, you’ll have a huge advantage in establishing a strong parent-child bond.

For example, a Moon in Gemini child will need plenty of room to explore and learn quickly about the world around them. They’ll respond to verbal and social interactions and feel nurtured and loved if you playfully interact with and listen attentively and respond positively to them.

- Alex A. Kecskes

You may know that ‘retrograde’ is a word used to describe the reverse, backward motion of planets in our solar system. When a planet goes retrograde, it actually increases awareness by forcing us to slow down and think or act more thoroughly, not only about issues in the present, but past events as well (past…reverse…backwards – get it?)

Mercury will begin a 21-day retrograde period on January 11 at 7°45′ Aquarius. Saturn already began its 4-month retrograde on December 31 at 21°46′ Virgo.

When Mercury is retrograde, miscommunications happen, things with moving parts break down and people become extremely frustrated as a result. Let’s hope this won’t turn Inauguration week in Washington into a gnarly maze of traffic accidents, racial slurs, event delays, media glitches and general mayhem! Did I mention that DC has decided to keep the bars open until 5am on the three days preceding the Inauguration? What is that they say about fuel on a fire? On the flip side, maybe the result will be an exceptionally well-planned and executed week of events, culminating in the historic swearing in of our 44^th President, just the way we envision it.

Retrograde Saturn slows activity and work pace, enabling better strategies and methods to be thought out and developed. On the flip side, it can also bog things down and make it twice as hard to actually get anything accomplished.

Let’s hope these retrogrades won’t stall Congress in the passage of Obama’s economic stimulus. Paul Krugman, Nobel Prize winning economist, recently portended that if there is a delay in passage of the stimulus package, or if the amount of the stimulus is too small, it could be a sad, sad case of “too little, too late” and the already fragile state of our country’s finances could just do a ‘Thelma and Louise’ and drive us all right over the edge into the great abyss of a full-on depression. Maybe the retrogrades will do the reverse and aid in the deliberate, careful, but expedient passage of this critical piece of legislation. Congress doesn’t have a very good track record when it comes to expediency, but we have to hope they’ll step up to the plate this time. Let’s try to remain positive.

Look in your chart to see where these retrograde planets are going to be affecting you and remember – it’s also about free will – turn those retrograde planets around for successful results in all your upcoming endeavors.

- MJ Dankowski

We all have the qualities that we look for when looking for a mate and while having a check list of the ‘must haves’ is important; another way to help you find THE one or at least one that you will be compatible with is by taking astrology into consideration and there are a couple of ways that you can let the stars guide you on your quest to find love. Read on for some tips to help you find Mr. or Mrs. Right.

One Way to Go About It

By having a basic understanding of your own astrological sign as well as those that are recommended as your best matches, you can use the information that you have to help weed out some of the other’s that are known to not be quite as good a match for you. Not only does this make your search for THE one a lot easier, but it can also save you the otherwise inevitable hassle of having to kiss many a toad before finding your prince or princess! This can be especially useful to those who are using online dating to find a partner because most of the time, the astrological sign—or at the very least the date of birth—is displayed on the dating profile. How easy is that?! And if you still prefer to date the old fashioned way by meeting potential mates in the real world as opposed to on the big ol’ Web; finding out what sign someone is takes nothing more than a question. The harder part will be figuring out a way to ask that doesn’t resemble the classic, cliché and super-cheesy pick up line made popular in the 70’s by the likes of Jack Tripper and Larry Dallas! (“What’s your sign?” is the question, in case you didn’t already get that!)

Another Option

If you have already started seeing someone, using astrology can still be beneficial to you because whether or not you have ended up with someone born under a sign that is considered your ideal match; you can still use the information about his/her particular sign to give you insight that can help you understand them better and even make it easier to deal with or avoid any issues that may come up over the course of the relationship. Take the time to research their sun sign and see what makes them tick. In some cases, that extra understanding can be what helps keep the peace in a relationship or worst case scenario; you realize early on that your best choice is to move on. Wouldn’t you rather know sooner than later?

Regardless of how you go about it; understanding your sign and the sign of your potential mates can make your love life run a lot smoother and in the direction that you deserve.

- Adrie Santos

At one time or another all of us have looked up into a clear night to be captivated by the silvery light of the Moon against the velvet black of a twinkling sky.

She travels around the Earth in a predictable 29½ day cycle, just as she has for thousands of years. The influence of our closest astrological neighbor can be felt in the world’s oceans, the magnetic field of our atmosphere, the behavior patterns of both plants and animals, and in our own bodies — 70% of which is water.

Astrologers give special significance to the Moon — and many place it second only to the Sun sign in terms of importance in a personal horoscope. Beyond the personal issues in individual charts, astrologers believe the Moon can be used to help with the timing of important actions — from one-time events like starting a business or getting married, to more everyday ones like shopping or adopting a pet… to very important national ceremonies, like the swearing in of a President.

In fact, the online astrological community is abuzz in the aftermath of astrologer Shelley Ackerman suggesting a change in timing be made on Inauguration Day so that the Oath of Office be given at 12:30 pm (moved from 12:00 Noon) to accommodate a quirk of the heavens known as the void of course Moon. Not all astrologers agree this period has influence, though many believe this to be so, and there are significant numbers of calendars, online sources or printed books (Llewellyn’s Moon Sign Book) devoted to the idea of planning in conjunction with the Moon.

The period that’s prompted all the discussion is known as the void-of-course Moon (or more simply the void Moon, often abbreviated as VOC) an oddity of geometry and astronomy that happens as the Moon is about to change signs. The Moon is considered void after she has made her last aspect to one of the other planets until she changes zodiac signs. This period can last a few moments, a few hours, or most of the day. Rarely, the Moon will make no aspects to a planet and thus be void during her entire 2½ day stay in a sign.

Not surprisingly there’s rabid disagreement among students of astrology about the influence of the void moon. Some, such as astrologer Lynne Hayes are convinced it is an ancient concept that has no impact… while others continue to believe this period is an unfavorable time that brings unexpected outcomes (not always pleasant ones either) for any action begun under the void influence. There is a void… an emptiness… a sense that nothing will come of an action. At the very least, decisions made or actions undertaken during this period have disappointing outcomes and can have major results in the areas of love and politics.

So you see Ms. Ackerman’s reason for suggesting a change in timing.

If you’re one of those inclined to dismiss the void outright, consider this. During every presidential election from 1900 to 1972, one of the two major party candidates was nominated during a void Moon. In all cases, that candidate lost the election. More recently Jimmy Cater was nominated in 1980 under a void moon, as was Al Gore in 2000 and John Kerry in 2004. Barack Obama avoided the fate of fellow Democrats by being officially nominated at 4:47 pm on August 27, before the void that began at 8:15 pm (6:15 pm Denver time) that evening.

Inaugurations under void Moon include Franklin D. Roosevelt for his fourth term in 1945, John F. Kennedy in 1961 and Richard Nixon for his second term in 1973. In each case the President taking the Oath of Office under the void didn’t finish his term… Roosevelt died, Kennedy was assassinated and Nixon impeached. The term begun under the void resulted in death or dishonor.

While modern man disdains the use of astrology, powerful and learned ones of the past did not. In fact, it’s widely believed that some of those (most notably Benjamin Franklin) who founded our nation were followers of astrology and well aware of its symbols. Did it influence the timing for the beginning of our nation? Arguments continue to rage, skeptics continue to doubt, but can it really be coincidence that on July 4, 1776 there were not one or two, but five planetary bodies aligned together?

Sadly, even if the President Elect were inclined to make the schedule change, another formidable opponent to any change in timing for the Inaugural Oath is the Twentieth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Here, the January 20th date and the time, 12:00 Noon, were named as the official ending of one presidency and the beginning of another. So it would seem, we’re stuck with some unfavorable timing. It might ease your mind to know that on January 20, 2009 there are other planetary aspects, good and bad, that can’t be mitigated by a 30 minute change in schedule.
But before you assume the worst, remember that unexpected isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes it can be quite welcome… highly energizing, and in the end, better for us all.

-Susan Morgan

Earth, Air, Fire and Water are the four elements used by the Greeks and Astrologers alike to describe our basic nature. Combined with our overall chart they can help us to define who we are as a whole.

The element of Fire is associated with the signs Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. Those touched by the element of Fire are prone to having a fiery and hot temperament. They can be very enthusiastic and animated.

Fire signs are often graced with a great deal of creativity and are self-sufficient and spontaneous. They often posses a great zeal for life and go over and above the call of duty. Those born under the Fire sign are natural born leaders.

Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn

are ruled by the element of Earth. They are practical people that you can always count on. Well grounded and dependable, they are the ones to call on during an emergency. However, they won’t take big risks as they like to be stable and sure of things.
Earth signs are the builders of the zodiac. Creating comes second nature to them as they love to build their homes with comfortable rooms and acquiring possessions is almost as important to them. Those influenced the element of Earth run the risk of becoming greedy or materialistic if their love for gaining worldly possessions gets too far out of control.

The element of Air is attached to the signs of Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. These are the intellectual thinkers of the zodiac. They are very clever and possess an uncanny ability to analyze a situation very well. They also handle abstract reasoning quite well.

Air signs love to communicate and are very good at it. They love to talk, however, a conversation with an Air sign is not likely to be superficial. These individuals are highly curious and find the world a fascinating and interesting place. They will probe and analyze every detail about a situation or person. They are able to see all sides of the equation. Balance is a key factor of this element and those graced with this element. They are highly inventive and clever folk.

Associated with the element of water are the signs of Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. This is the element that can best be described as emotional. Water signs are intuitive and quite sensitive. They feels things on a much deeper level than other people. They can are nurturing and loving and very devoted to those they love. These people are guided by how they feel rather than what they think. They will go with their gut feeling before they make a decision based on logic.

Water signs are compassionate and understanding people. They will take into consideration the feelings of others before making a decision.

Beauty is also very important to water signs and as a result many Water signs become artists. They can take their view of the world and express it outwardly as poetry or in a beautiful painting. They are very romantic and are most fulfilled when helping others.

- Heather Hawkins

Two astrological giants, Saturn and Uranus, are in opposition to one another and will continue this back and forth transit through mid 2010. Oppositions create tension between the planets involved and in this case, Saturn, the planet of structure, karma, security and tradition, versus Uranus, the planet of change, new ideas and upheaval, is very symbolic.

It seems as though Saturn, in this case, represents the Republican Party and their staunchly traditional big business-loving, deregulated way of doing things, as evidenced during the past eight years of the Bush administration. Now our country is turning a corner, as represented by Uranus and the Obama administration with its global perspective, technological savvy and new solutions to old problems. It is as though Uranus has awakened our country from a long slumber, or maybe a drunken stupor of spending would be more accurate!

The last two times our country experienced this Saturn/Uranus aspect, were during the Vietnam war era and the Great Depression, which brings us to the realization of just how powerful this force can be.

During the Republican reign of Bush, our economy went from the large surplus established during the Clinton era, to the staggering deficit we are currently experiencing. Deregulation and free trade sounded good to some until many became too greedy and loaned money to people who couldn’t afford to pay it back. Everybody is suffering as a result.

What is taking place now is a jolt (Uranus) to our spendy ways and corporate greed. We have yet to see a bottom to all this, but should within the next year.

Saturnian lessons will be learned – most importantly, how to live within our means and feel blessed for what we have, not all that we desire. This may be karma (Saturn) for being one of the richest and most powerful countries on earth, but not always using that enormous influence to its greatest potential. The tides are turning as countries like China, India, and Russia make a resurgence. We will all be staying tuned to see what happens next as these two planets take us on a rollercoaster ride into the future.

-MJ Dankowski