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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!
I've started posting to the community blog on a wonderful site for baby boomers called ThirdAge.com. I urge you to check it out. It's lots of great information on a variety of topics and many community features, too. I'm posting there once a week on Wednesdays, hoping to provide additional insight on astrological topics and events. Click here to visit the ThirdAge blog.
Each month, shortly before the sun moves into a new sign (which usually happens around the 20th or 21st of the month), I'll suggest a way for your sign to take advantage of the opportunities provided by one of the solar month's major astrological features. In addition, you can read a short article on one aspect of putting together a horoscope forecast that will give you more insight into how to interpret your own chart.
Finally, I'll provide a list of keywords for some of the planets, signs, and houses that make up a horoscope so that you can further customize your horoscope.
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Happy Birthday, Libra!
Well, Libra, I sure am glad to see the sun enter your sign this year for, as befits your sign, it heralds a kinder, gentler astrological month for all the signs. After a slew of oppositions, squares, eclipses, and general unstable up and down-ness over the past couple of months, the planets have decided to embrace the spirit of your sign and just get along with each other.
As we contemplate your solar return and the year ahead for you, this is a good omen because it indicates that none of the planets don't like Libra these days. In fact, throughout the coming year, most of the planets will be well-behaved from the Libra perspective. By 2007, all of the outer planets except Uranus (i.e., Pluto, Neptune, Saturn, and Jupiter) will be hanging around congenially in fire and air signs largely leaving you in peace. Now I realize that some of you will have challenges precipitated by the placement of planets in your own natal chart--not too much I can do about that, but at least you're not being extra picked on because you're a Libra.
The one area of Libra life scheduled for shakeups is the job sector. Instability and perhaps emotional stress in the workplace is a trend that's scheduled to continue throughout 2007; fortunately, for most of you, it will be intermittent. Speaking of job stuff, this month marks close to the end of your chance to take advantage of the favorable relationship between Jupiter in Scorpio in your second house of income and Uranus in your job sector. By the time the sun leaves Scorpio, Jupiter will too. That means Jupiter's focus will shift to the less tangible area of your solar chart ruling the mind. So if you want to see some tangible gains in income, you've got about two months to get your butt in gear and tactfully raise the issue.
In fact, I'm going to harp on this for a bit, because many of the Libras I know are not being adequately compensated for what they are doing on the job. If you happen to be a Libra like this, this is a situation that should be rectified. You are welcome to be diplomatic in your attempts to wangle more cash from your employer, but you are not welcome to think 'oh...um...maybe...gosh...I don't know...mmm...' The maybe/maybe not dichotomy is the occasional downfall of Libra, a sign notorious for its indecisiveness. Decide that you want to receive the income you deserve for your work and turn your oh so intricate thought process to securing it, not putting off making a decision about it. Okay, enough lecture.
Now it's time to talk a little bit about the Libra purpose, as we usually do during a sign's birthday month. One of the Libra purposes can be pretty simply summed up: to strike up relationships. Libra is a cardinal sign, which means its job is to initiate things. It's also the sign of relationships, so part of its job therefore is to initiate relationships. If you're a Libra and you do that, you're playing an important role in the smooth functioning of the world.
Just because the concept is simple, however, doesn't mean the execution is always easy. Libras invest a lot more in relationships than is always visible on the surface. Nurturing relationships can be draining and even depressing. It can be intoxicating and wonderful. It can be both at the same time. Hence, the famed Libra indecisiveness. Nothing is more complex than human relationships, and as a sign built specifically to deal with them, nothing is more complex than the Libra thought process.
Libras often act as though everybody's well-being depends on the choices they make. This is a heavy burden and sometimes the internal pressure causes Libras to actually make decisions that are far from the ideal Libra aspires to. Part of the learning curve of being a Libra is learning how not to think too much. This is a tall order for a sign that's absolutely great at thinking. Who wants to abandon his or her strongest quality? Probably no one. Still, many Libras could benefit from placing a sticky note on their computers that reads "Keep It Simple, Stupid" or, more gently, "KISS." This particular year, the universe is deliberately keeping the drama quotient down for most Libras, giving many of them an absolutely wonderful opportunity to practice KISSing all year long. For a relationship-oriented sign, what could be better than a year of kissing?
For some additional keywords you can use to customize your own horoscope - click here. For instructions on how to use the keywords - click here.
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Hi Aries! Aren't you glad the majority of inner planets have moved into Libra? You should be, because it means the sky has settled down. The key word for you this month is rest. With the sun, your ruler Mars, and Venus all opposing your sun there is absolutely no good reason for you to push yourself in typical driven Aries style. Take it easy. Make like a lump.
It's also a good month for you to get things all tidy and organized at work. It's a good month to do this because for the first time in a couple of months planets aren't crowding your solar work sector. For many Aries there have been so many changes and new projects at work that they have enough to keep them busy for a good six months. Hopefully, you now have a chance this month to get the lay of the land, catch up, figure things out, see where everything stands, make a plan. Oh yeah, and rest a little bit.
For some additional keywords you can use to customize your own horoscope - click here. For instructions on how to use the keywords - click here.
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The kids are back in school, and for a majority of Taureans, it's time to get back to work. The sun, Mars, and Venus are all in your solar work sector this month, signaling a time to get back to business after some of the strange astrological doings of the late summer.
For some Taureans, the planetary emphasis on getting back to a peaceful routine will be complicated by the fact that they have fallen madly in love at some point during the last couple of months. We should all have such problems! For a smaller percentage of Taureans, this will be the month when the astrological gods of Unexpected Romance will visit in a happy way. If you happen to be one of these lucky Taureans, I in no way want to discourage you from using your non-work hours for making mad passionate love with the new object of your excited affections. In fact, if new romance is out of the question because you're still permanently ensconced in your old romance, I still don't want to discourage you from making mad passionate love with the object of your old affections. There are plenty of angles between the romance planets this month, giving you no excuse for ignoring your sensual side. All work and no sensual pleasure makes for a grumpy sign of Taurus and no one wants a grumpy Taurus. There's absolutely nothing wrong with showing up at work wearing a business suit and a contented glow. Fortunately, the planets agree this month, so enjoy.
For some additional keywords you can use to customize your own horoscope - click here. For instructions on how to use the keywords - click here.
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Hello, Gemini. This month most of the inner planets (sun, Venus, Mars) are transiting your solar fifth house of romance and general good times. They're making excellent angles to Neptune in Aquarius, too. Neptune can be a pretty romantic planet itself, so the universe brimmeth over with good feeling for Geminis, something of a switch from the past couple of months.
If you happen to be one of those Geminis who could really use some romance and general good times, this is the month to just flat out go for it. Boldly have fun where you haven't had fun before. Get out and about, enjoy yourself, relax, kick back, take a breather, flirt, meet people, do arty stuff (Libra and Neptune both like arty stuff), chat pleasantly, ask out that person you've had your eye on, be seductive and charming. Be a Gemini, and enjoy being a Gemini. I'm sure the majority of you deserve a good month for a change!
For additional keywords you can use to customize your horoscope - click here. For instructions on how to use the keywords - click here.
Hello, Cancer. The universe has decided to bring itself back into balance with the help of the sign of Libra. The sun, Venus, and Mars will all be there putting the emphasis on your home and family sector. The real task for you though, Cancer, is to give some thought to your future. With the universe in balance, it's time for you to pay some attention to where you're heading in life. You've been getting a free pass from the universe for awhile (unless your personal natal chart has been bumptious), but you can't coast forever. Uranus in the 9th house, subject to recent fluctuations, is trying, however fitfully, to get you to adjust to a bigger, more exciting vision of what you think life can be. So, what do you think it can be? What do you want; what do you need? If it's romance you need, get moving now to take advantage of Jupiter in your solar 5th house before it leaves at the end of next month. Is it mental stimulation you need? Seek that out. A better job, more money, a new place to live? Whatever it is, you have a moment of astrological balance to be able to contemplate changes in an astrological environment that's not trying to throw you out of whack or hit you upside the head with difficult stuff to deal with. This won't always be the case, so take advantage of the relative stability in your vital roots sector while you've got it.
For keywords you can use to customize an alternate interpretation- click here. For instructions on how to use the keywords - click here.
This month the inner planets are largely in the rational sign of Libra, bringing some rationality and order to an astrological picture that has been dominated by mood swings over the past couple of months. This portends an opportunity for you to bring rationality and order to your daily Leo life if you choose to take advantage of the opportunity.
The other opportunity I want to mention has to do with Jupiter. Jupiter's been traveling through your solar fourth house of home and all related matters for close to a year now. That means it's getting ready to hitch a ride out of that sector by the end of November. If you want to squeeze in some home-related improvements or enjoyment before the cycle ends, now's the time to do it. Alternatively, if you don't give a hoot about home-related stuff, now's the time to prep for Jupiter's next cycle, which just so happens to impact your love life. If your love life is of far more concern to you than your home life, start thinking now about how you'll take advantage of the cycle. Jupiter will be in good angle to Saturn in your own sign once it enters Sagittarius at the end of November. This means you potentially have an opportunity to establish romance of a lasting nature. Which means, if you want that, that you should make yourself ready for romance of a lasting nature.
If romance is not on your agenda, and you happen to be a creative Leo, Jupiter in Sag will be helpful there too. It will give you the chance to create something of lasting value. Figure out what that something might be. It's also a good placement for relating to and enjoying your kids, so take that into account as you plan your activities for the upcoming school year. In other words, Leo--Jupiter in Sag is a good thing. Enjoy your last bit of home-related good vibes and get ready for good vibes of an entirely different nature soon.
For keywords you can use to customize an alternate interpretation- click here. For instructions on how to use the keywords - click here.
VIRGO: AUGUST 23 - SEPTEMBER 22
So how are you these days, Virgo? Confused? I don't blame you if you are. Saturn in Leo has been opposing Neptune in your solar 6th house, the house of work and service most closely associated with your identity. That opposition has eased up for the time being (for a little while), but in the meantime, there have been eclipses in your own and opposite sign to contend with. Not to mention Uranus in the opposite sign of Pisces acting all weird. Just the mere fact of having Saturn in Leo in your solar 12th house indicates that changes are continuing to stir in your psyche. It's been trying to effect changes in your outlook at the subconscious level, even as Neptune fights those changes. There's been something of a planetary battle for your mind, Virgo, and it's been taking a fairly long time to play out.
Fortunately, this month the majority of planets are in a more stable alignment than they have been for awhile. Inner planets in Libra could potentially help you on the financial front, and virtually all the aspects between the planets are favorable for the next four weeks. It's a good month to get your life in order. The kids are adjusting to their school routine and the planets are leaving you in relative peace for a bit. It's also a good month to do something that Virgo is great at--taking an upbeat attitude. It's not generally acknowledged but Virgo is one of the perkiest signs in the entire zodiac, capable of putting a good face on everything when it makes up its mind to. Take advantage of the good aspects in the sky this month to stabilize your own situation with an optimistic outlook and some carefree cheerfulness. Even if things don't happen to be all that great in your own personal life this month (for some of you, they will actually be great, due to some unexpected romantic energy), a bit of optimism can only help.
For keywords you can use to customize your horoscope - click here. For instructions on how to use the keywords - click here.
SCORPIO: OCTOBER 23 - NOVEMBER 21
Hi Scorpio! This month, I'm going to sound the last call for Jupiter bell. By the time the sun leaves your sign in November, Jupiter will as well. Therefore you've got another month or two of Jupiter power on your side, which can be deployed, if you choose, towards making some sense of your love life. Things have been a bit strange in that sector of late, perhaps, but you've still got time to make a big push to reach your goals in the romance, creativity, and child-related areas. Indeed, these concerns represent your most fruitful areas of focus this month, as the inner planets in Libra aren't going to do all that much to help you, slumbering as they are in your solar 12th house. Neptune and Pluto and Saturn haven't been of much use to Scorpios here lately either. So concentrate on the fun stuff while you've got the chance, and leave the dreary home, income, and career aspects out of the picture. When Jupiter enters Sagittarius at the end of the year, you can concentrate some efforts on bringing in more dough, but until then use your power for purposes of upping your enjoyment and pleasure in life.
For keywords you can use to customize your horoscope - click here. For instructions on how to use the keywords - click here.
SAGITTARIUS: NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 21
This month the slow-moving outer planets have decided to stop picking on each other and on the fast-moving inner planets. Thank goodness! Good judgment has a chance to restore itself in the sky. If you happen to be a Sagittarius who found her or himself a victim of bad judgment over the past couple of months, now's your chance to shake it off. Believe me, you weren't the only one. Lots of signs temporarily lost their minds toward the end of summer.
This month, however, the planetary pace slows and there are fewer aspects to contend with. Inner planets in Libra could give you a chance to spend more time with friends, or even make some new ones if you could use a little pleasant bump in your social life. If you'd like, you could also use the planets in your solar 11th house to make some considered decisions about where you'd like to be heading. For a little while, all the signs have a moment to think, and since you're a pretty good thinker, you might like to seize the moment to ponder your life direction. As a mutable sign, you sometimes get buffeted around by impulse. With the planetary shift away from mutability toward cardinality this month, you have a chance to take a bit of control, exercise some rationality, and figure things out. This can only be good for you, Sagittarius, so feel free to use the planetary vibes to your benefit.
For keywords you can use to customize your horoscope - click here. For instructions on how to use the keywords - click here.
The sign of Capricorn and the sign of Libra are not usually considered to be compatible given that both are cardinal and one is earth and the other air. Your sign and the sign of Libra have some things in common, though. Both signs like to deliberate on things, and they both like to act out of conscious choice and not impulsive whim. They both believe in effort, and neither sign believes that just because something is natural or easy that it is therefore good and wise. In other words, both signs like control. Libra is also the sign on your solar 10th house, and the 10th house is the house most closely associated with Capricorn. Add it all up and there's a lot to be said for finding three inner planets (sun, Venus, Mars) in Libra this month.
Put another way, this is the best month of the year for you to reflect on your major goals and ambitions and to make conscious, deliberate efforts to achieve them. After the potential upsets of last month, when some of the planets got a bit over-emotional, this month represents your chance to regain control. Exercise choice, take non-hasty action, further your career, make your push for fame or world domination, do whatever seems most seemly and appropriate for advancing your major agenda items. Whatever you do, though, don't waste the chance. The inner planets only visit Libra once a year, and you haven't had a whole lot of help in this sector for awhile. Make your considered moves now.
For keywords you can use to customize your horoscope - click here. For instructions on how to use the keywords - click here.
AQUARIUS: JANUARY 20 - FEBRUARY 18
Well, Aquarius, I don't know if you are going to find this month boring or not. The inner planets are in Libra this month, in your solar 9th house of intangible big thoughts on big topics. It's sort of like a preparation month, in that its vibe is nothing like the strange and rocky focus on your solar 8th house that the last couple of months have brought. The big push next month is in your solar house of career, as Jupiter gets set to leave Scorpio, kissing the sun as it goes. After that, Jupiter will be in your solar 11th house (the house associated with your sign), so things should get interesting again next month and the one after that.
On the other hand, you may find this month to be blessedly un-boring as you get a chance to act more like a regular Aquarian again with most of the inner planets in a compatible air sign. You can go back to taking control of your life, doing the normal Aquarian things like ignoring your needs and focusing on your goals instead. You could devote yourself to work and career plans, taking a break from some of the emotional and/or relationship storms that Uranus, Saturn, and Neptune have all been trying (perhaps succcessfully) to visit on your head. All these planets have been trying to morph and stretch and expand and change your Aquarian self in a variety of sometimes inspiring and sometimes alarming ways. But, you know, sometimes there's nothing wrong with a month in which there's just not all that much stretching, morphing, growing, and expanding to contend with. Hopefully, most of October will be such a month, and you can massage your potentially aching psyche by indulging in some good old-fashioned Aquarian rationalism and logical objective thought, unblemished by planets pitching dramatic fits above you.
For keywords you can use to customize your horoscope - click here. For instructions on how to use the keywords - click here.
PISCES: FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20
So Pisces, how's your year been so far? The planets have been trying mighty hard to make it an interesting one, and interesting astrology, while potentially exciting, is not always peaceful. This month, however, all the planets settle in for a bracing round of good aspects, with nary an inharmonious moment in the sky. The inner planets in Libra in your solar 8th house of all kinds of miscellaneous items (joint finances, sex, therapy, insurance settlements--it's a mixed bag, the 8th house is) may not affect you all that much. The general planetary mood, however, hopefully will.
All the planets in Libra will make good angles to your ruler Neptune before they leave, which bodes well for your month in a psychological sense. Since there have been eclipses in your own sign this year, which can potentially shake up a person's psyche, this is a good thing. All the planets are essentially kissing and making up after having been completely unable to figure out whether they liked each other during August and September.
In other words, you are free to take action on matters that may have been stalled or too confusing to figure out at other times during the year. You are free to harvest the fruits of your labors, if you've been laboring hard all year with Saturn in your solar 6th house of--well, labor. The inner planets in Libra will all make some good angles to Saturn, so you could see some rewards (perhaps modest admittedly) for your efforts if you take the opportunity to get yourself in line for your share. The bottom line is that your life has a chance to move forward again this month, instead of just up and down and sideways. Hallelujah for that!
For keywords you can use to customize your horoscope - click here. For instructions on how to use the keywords - click here.
LIBRA
Libra is a cardinal air sign. Planetary ruler: Venus. Season: Autumn. Associated with the 7th house of one on one relationships. Its symbol is the Scales.
One of the major themes of the sign of Libra is that of balance. Balance is one of those qualities that many people in my country (the USA) seem to approve of, but few seem to achieve. The US, due to its official birthday on July 4, is said to be a Cancer. American culture, however, has a lot more in common with the sign opposite from Libra, Aries.
The US has an energetic, bold, courageous, contentious, violent, vigorous, enthusiastic, open-hearted, and opinionated culture--all hallmarks of the sign of Aries. As Aries' position at the opposite end of the spectrum from Libra indicates, balance is not an easy thing to achieve with an Aries attitude. It is fairly often said that the European countries do a better job at achieving work/life balance than America does. I read recently that Americans spend more time at work than any other industrialized nation in the world and yet do not manage to work as efficiently as the Europeans.
Part of this is that the American attitude encourages (or often demands) balls-out effort at everything attempted. The sign of Libra, on the other hand, is all about due proportion and the management of competing priorities. In the US, it is hard for working people to balance job and family because our work culture expects total dedication. Yet our standards for family life require total dedication. Our divorce rate indicates we have difficulty sustaining marriages (a Libra specialty) because we expect ourselves to achieve total fulfillment as individual human beings and in our marriages--at the same time. Our soaring levels of obesity indicate we have difficulty finding balance even in something so elemental as eating.
The sign of Libra, however, is much more focused on the intricate, ongoing delicate negotiations between individuals and all the varying other people and forces that affect them. Libra weighs everything. It assesses, plans, takes into account, gathers information, and places all the varying factors into place in a harmonious whole. That's a lot of work! All that work accounts for Libra's reputation for taking forever to make up its mind about anything. The sign likes to be fair, and fairness requires reflection and time.
If you have Libra prominent in your birth chart, you can resign yourself to the fact that you will need to spend a certain amount of time taking all the varying forces and factors in your life into account and trying to fit them into a harmonious whole. You may not focus on this 24/7, but the need will arise in at least one area of your life. By the same token, when planets in Libra are prominent by transit, it behooves all of us to pause and spend a few moments assessing and understanding the agendas and forces acting upon everyone else--not just ourselves. It's a lot less straightforward than the normal American way of doing things but it has its benefits, and sometimes it is the only realistic way to approach the changing tides of our lives.
Some keywords for Libra: Balance, harmony, impartiality, justice, marriage, close relationships, rational thought, the civilized arts, belief in the ideal, indecisiveness, seeking after truth and beauty, and attractiveness
Some keywords for the sun: Soul purpose, individuality, the father, one's vitality, consciousness, the self, the will, one's sense of drive, creative potential, the ego, and authority.
Some keywords for Mercury: Writing, the mind, speaking, learning, communication, commerce, messages, intellectual interests, mental abilities, speed, transportation, and language skills.
Some keywords for the Moon: Emotions, the body, instincts, fluctuating moods, rhythm, gut reactions, needs, dependence, responsiveness, memories, the subconscious, and perceptions.
Some keywords for Venus: Love, unity, harmony, pleasure, laziness, relationships, beautiful things, money, the arts, femininity, and aesthetic taste.
Some keywords for Mars: Energy, aggression, conflict, driving determination, strong emotions, male energy, keen competitiveness, sexual drive, and assertiveness.
Some keywords for Jupiter: Abundance, expansiveness, a cheery outlook, foreign travel, big money, philosophical concerns, gambling, sports, risks, advertising, publishing, and luck.
Some keywords for Saturn: Contraction, restriction, life tests, aging, a mature outlook, building structure, limitations, rules, authority, obstacles, discipline, thrift, and hard work.
Some keywords for Uranus: Technology, universal ideas, humanitarian impulses, hopes for the future, sudden changes, shaking up the status quo, reversals, revolution, and science.
Some keywords for Neptune: Artistic impulses, drugs, chemicals, and alcohol, inspiration, imagination, deception, glamor, delusions, hospitals, subconscious yearnings, liquids, oil, psychic experiences, and romanticism.
Some keywords for Pluto: Global events, transformation, regeneration, and elimination.
Some Keywords for the 1st house: The self , personality, the body, appearance, ego, attitudes, how others see you, physical health and vitality, self-regard, and what inspires you.
Some keywords for the 2nd house: All personal resources, values, money, possessions, ownership, attachments, investments in real estate, self-worth, tangible items, gifts, possessiveness, and materialism.
Some keywords for the 3rd house: The daily environment, communication, cell phones, casual conversation, letters, email, commerce, acquaintances, neighbors, relatives, the ability to deal with daily life, and the part of the conscious mind that deals with daily tasks.
Some keywords for the 4th house: Roots, home, family, the parents, traditions, the past, patriotism, nurturing, the need for emotional support, where you belong, ancestors, and the subconscious.
Some keywords for the 5th house: Play, amusements, creative self-expression, romance, children, fun, pleasures, love affairs, and gambling and speculation.
Some keywords for the 6th house: Employment, health, routines, nutrition, chores, service, volunteering, nursing, service professions, illness, employees, and hygiene.
Some keywords for the 7th house: Intimate relationships, partnerships, enemies, marriage, counselors, the general public, the ability to attract and love others, what we feel we lack, what we like and dislike in others, and the ability to resolve conflicts.
Some keywords for the 8th house: The past, transformation, death, inheritance, other people's money, rebirth, trauma, abuse, crisis, the partner's finances, loans, and investments.
Some keywords for the 9th house: Philosophy, religion, the legal profession, travel, academics, synthesis, higher education, the higher mind, the search for meaning, ethical beliefs and standards, foreigners and interest in things foreign, and the ability to gain perspective on events.
Some keywords for the 10th house: Status, career, reputation, authority figures, tangible achievements, the father, the ability to garner admiration, honors, contributions to the communty, fame, vocation or calling, and professional accomplishments.
Some keywords for the 11th house: Friendships, groups, life direction, aspirations, visionaries, scientific thinking, humanitarian impulses, the brotherhood of man, and hopes & wishes.
Some keywords for the 12th house: Secrets, mental illness, incarceration, self-sabotage, dreams, fantasies, subconscious fears, spirituality, intution, oneness with the universe, the inner life, and guilt.
HOW TO USE KEYWORDS: The essence of learning astrology is understanding how to mix, match, and blend the concepts associated with signs, planets, and houses to figure out what is or will be affecting you at a given point in time. This takes practice and practice is exactly what you're going to have a chance to get if you use the keywords each month.
Keywords can be used to plan and take action using the month's energies, to explain events or to make predictions. Scan for keywords that seem relevant to situations in your own life. You'll have 3 sets of keywords you can blend, one for the planet discussed, one for the sign it's in and one for the solar house it's transiting. Pick the keywords that interest you most and create your customized horoscope!
For example, if the Sun is in Aries in your solar first house, if you want to plan or take action you might pick the Sun keyword 'power', the Aries keyword 'initiating', and the 1st house keyword 'self-expression' to create an intention for yourself that you have the power to initiate actions to express yourself more fully in ways that you desire. You'll know what 'self-expression' means to you. It works best if you pick keywords that 'speak' to you or that coincide with elements of your life that already concern you. To receive astrological benefits, it's not necessary that you obligate yourself to do something huge - it's only necessary that you take one step in the right direction at the right time. Astrology concerns itself with when things are born, and if you start something at the right time, you're riding on the energy that's already available to you in the universe.
You can also use the keywords to try to figure out if something that is affecting you is 'in the stars'. For example, let's say you find yourself wondering why you're getting drawn into conflicts with people at your church. You scan the keywords and realize 'Aha! The fiery energy of Aries is currently being activated in my 12th house of faith-related matters!' If the energy is uncomfortable, you'll have a gauge as to how long it will be prominent (oh good, it should ease up next month!) or if it's a good energy you'll know which planet to thank!
You can also try your hand at predicting. If you check in at the beginning of the month and notice that your house of friendships is highlighted along with some active planetary or sign energies, you might predict for yourself that you will be engaging in a lot more fun and restorative activities with your friends in the coming month. This is basically what professional astrologers do and now you have a chance to try your own hand at it and compare your results with the pros. Have fun!
NOTE: There are a wide variety of potential keywords associated with each sign, planet, and house. I pick different ones each month to give you an idea of the range from the most common concepts to much more subtle ones. Over time, you'll gain an intuitive sense of what kinds of concepts are associated with each element and you'll even be able to generate your own keywords as you get a feel for each of the signs, planets, and houses. Each keyword also inherently contains its opposite as well. For example, if the keyword 'divorce' is displayed, it doesn't mean you'll get a divorce. But it does mean that if that is a concern for you and something you want to avoid you have an opportunity, while that energy is activated, to take proactive steps to deal with potential problems or head off an undesirable outcome. So you can turn 'divorce' into 'keeping a marriage together' or 'illness' into 'taking steps to get and stay healthy'.
Use your rising sign for better forecasts! Most published horoscopes are based at least in part on transits to solar houses. Solar houses are based on your sun sign and are easy to calculate. Your sun sign is your solar 1st house, the next sign in the zodiac is your solar 2nd house and so on. You can always determine what solar house a planet is in if you know the sign. Simply start with your own sign and count around the zodiac until you reach the sign you're interested in. For example, if you're a Gemini, the sign of your solar 3rd house is Leo. Pisces is the sign of your solar 10th house. Astrologers who publish horoscopes use sun signs and solar houses for several reasons: a) almost everyone knows their birthday; b) they're easy to calculate; and c) they actually do have some effect. However, if you get a personal reading from a professional astrologer, he or she will almost always use transits to your natal houses to give you a reading instead. Natal houses are based on your rising sign, which is determined by the exact time, place, and day you were born. Transits to your natal planets and houses have at least as much effect on your life as transits to your solar houses, sometimes quite a bit more. If you really want to know your chart, and get better horoscopes, you should find out your rising sign (also called Ascendant). If you know the exact time and place of your birth, you can do this for free at a wonderful website - www.astro.com. Click on the link near the top that says 'Free Horoscopes'. On that page, scroll down to the link that says 'Chart Drawing, Ascendant'. Follow the prompts to enter the information concerning your birth time, date, and place. You'll get a chart that shows your Ascendant (the sign next to the designation 'AC'). To the left will be a box listing your planetary placements. Next to the listing for 'AC' your rising sign will be listed along with the degree of your Ascendant within that sign. Make a note of that sign and be sure to check the horoscope and keywords for your Ascendant as well as your sun sign!
TRACK YOUR RESULTS! Next month when you come back here for your next horoscope, take 30 seconds to assess the results of the action you took last month as a result of your horoscope. Did it make you feel better? Did it make your life any better? Did it give you renewed energy or did you find your effort blocked, delayed, or ineffective? Judging your results allows you to assess how responsive you are to a particular planetary, sign, or house energy. For example, some people are very responsive to the astrological Sun just the way some people are very responsive to a sunny day. Other people work better with the energy of other planets. Only by taking a moment to gauge your results can you learn which planets work best for you in your life. You may have an 'afflicted' natal Sun that never does much for you, but a raring-to-go Mars that will help you in a pinch every time. Checking your results each month will give you an increasingly accurate guide as to how to use astrology to enhance your life.
The PRACTICAL ASTROLOGY website provides a free, sequential course in astrology with at least one article each month on a particular element of horoscope interpretation. If you want to see any articles you've missed, or to receive each month's update by email, sign up using the link below. The Practical Astrology website does not share your email address with anyone else and only uses it to provide you with information concerning astrology from this website. Sign up!