Show me the way

Last night, I dreamed that I was waiting for a bus in the town where I went to Uni. In the dream, I wasn't even sure if I was at the right bus stop. All I knew was that I wanted to get to the town centre. Thanks to my phone, I soon discovered that my destination was a lot closer than I first thought - close enough to walk there myself. As I was turning away from the bus stop, I began to soar into the air instead- in the direction of the town.

In a nutshell, my interpretation of this dream is that my reaching my goal is closer/easier than I think. And to get there, I need to think outside the box and look at it from a different perspective.

Besides delivering a subconscious message, this dream has also given me an insight into the workings of astrology.

In the dream, my initial uncertainty of my next step in life had led me to take a bird's eye view of the situation. While facing a problem or at a crossroad, don't we often wish that we could see into the future so we could select the best path? Some people turn to religion - they give their problems to God and have complete faith that the 'correct' decision will be made. Others turn to fortune-tellers, people who can see the overall map of the situation and advice accordingly. Unfortunately, as with all professions, there are bad seeds giving the rest of the profession a bad name. Astrology can be used as a forecasting tool but it doesn't provide a magic formula to all our woes, as I had found out very early on in my astro studies. However, if it was too clear, then God's insulting our intelligence and life would be no fun. My dream showed me that astrology is like an atlas - it shows the roads ahead but what you do on those terrains is entirely up to you - i.e. your freewill, though how you are likely to act can also be depicted from your birthchart.

Take Jupiter, for example, the planet of expansion, optimism and opportunities. If you know happy times are ahead in your area of work or relationship, you could take advantage of this energy. Life gives lots of goodies to us, but if we are not receptive to them, then they will pass us by, leaving us with nothing. We then complain and ask 'Where's my gift?' Some people are innately better at spotting goodies and grabbing chances than others, so I personally feel that knowing what kinds of cycles are ahead can help to maximise the chances of success.

On the other hand, if we see Saturn, the planet of hardship and restriction, in a particular area of our chart, then we can brace ourselves and get ready for a life lesson we have signed-up for when we first incarnated into this world. Think of this as a challenge and that we come out of this cycle feeling stronger and wiser - that is, if you are willing to face it.

With Uranus, you can expect some sudden changes, again, it's all down to the person whether or not these lessons are viewed as positive or negative. I like to see them as spring-cleaning. The Universe will not do anything to us that we are not ready for.

We might get a bit blurry-visioned with Neptune hitting a particular point in our chart. Ask lots of questions; try not to let the vagueness get the better of you, though it's hard to be objective when the fog of Neptune envelopes you...the plus sides are that your imagination and creativity are at their peaks.

Pluto likes to push hidden matters up to the light. This can either be painful, if you are unwilling to let go of any unwanted junk in your system, or it can be invigorating to release all that pent-up emotions/memories - think of constipation! Don't you feel good afterwards?

Image: David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Why Astrology Doesn't Work

Since laying my eyes on my own birthchart almost a decade and a half ago, I have had a turbulent relationship with astrology.

I have learnt the keywords behind each planet, sign, house and aspect. I was aware that there could be more than one interpretation for each of those components, but as I began to notice cases where astrology 'didn't work', I started to ask myself if astrology was merely a limited tool - that it only works up to a certain point before it falls apart miserably.

Take myself as an example.

My Sun sign is Pisces. Yes, I have been told I'm shy, gentle, kind, quiet - all the keywords associated with this sign. Pisces' ruling planet is Neptune, a planet of no boundary, confusion and disorder. If my mother had read about the learning style of Piscean children, she would have been told that her Piscean girl will have difficulties in focusing on her academic work. She will daydream all the time and will find it hard to sit down to complete her school tasks. She will have poor organisational skills so do not expect her to take what she needs to school from day to day. Don't force her to write and read, she will prefer drawing, singing and dancing.

My mum would have thrown the book in the bin.

In actual fact, I was a conscientious student. My parents never pressured me but somehow, I have always been highly self-motivated to do my best at school. I loved reading from a young age; my mum couldn't drag me away from my books. I clearly knew what to take to school each day and I handed in my homework on time. I can draw but hated art. I would like to have been able to sing and dance but those areas never got developed in my life.

So what went wrong?

'Astrology doesn't work, that's why!' would've been the answers of skeptics. And I would've agreed with them if I hadn't delved deeper into my chart.

So what made me so grounded?

On closer inspection, my Moon sign is in Taurus, an earth sign, this significantly helps to stabilise my emotions and injects determination and stamina in what I do. But I think the main reason is that my Saturn is directly opposite my Sun, forming a 180-degree-aspect called an opposition. It brings practicality, discipline and order into my life.

I have also come across other examples where the Sun sign's traits appeared to be absent: a chart of a Scorpio who was naive and innocent. An Aries who was quiet and gentle and a Leo who was shy and extremely self-conscious.

So what went 'wrong'?

Nothing, is the answer, but merely the Sun sign cannot be take at face value. It turned out the my Scorpio friend had a Scorpio cluster in the 10th house (being in the public eye) all oppose Saturn. She told me that she couldn't stand conniving and selfish individuals. Clearly, she had disowned that part of her personality so it's being reflected to her through the people she met at work (she was struggling with her colleagues at the time). My Aries friend had the Sun, Moon & Mercury all locked away in the 12th house of Pisces, whereas the Leo had Capricorn rising so her chart ruler, Saturn, was giving her a solemn outlook on her life, not to mention that her Sun was at the apex of a T-Square with Uranus and Chiron.

If you are not typical of your Sun sign, there may be another part of your chart that is influencing your solar energy.

Image: Idea go / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Basic Astrology: Planets

Basic Astrology - Planets on Prezi

Image: Idea go / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Basic Astrology: Houses in a Birthchart

Copy of Basic Astrology - Houses on Prezi

October Horoscopes

Aries

The full moon on 12^th October in Aries provides fertile ground for starting something new. Full of enthusiasm, you’re raring to go and do what’s close to your heart. However, this is likely to be greeted by challenging remarks from those around you. You may not see eye to eye with those who give you opinions you didn’t ask for, but their words of wisdom do have a point. Take a diplomatic view and hear them out. They are not trying to put you down or blocking you, but merely want you to slow down and think more realistically about what you want to achieve.

Taurus

People at work or romantic/business partners may not be what they seem. Your family members are concerned about how trusting you can be and want you to protect yourself more. However, you think they’re being unnecessarily pessimistic. Once you realize that they are only trying to be supportive rather than critical, you will embrace their wise advice.

Gemini

Thoughts go deeper than usual as Mercury enters the intensive Scorpio on 13^th October. The light-heartedness of a Gemini gives way to a more serious demeanour. Put this focused energy in your work and share your insights with your colleagues, especially if there is a new project on the horizon. Consider everyone’s viewpoints and cherry-pick the best option available.

Cancer

Changes or new beginnings at work may alert you to the fact that you have been neglecting your home life and/or family. An air of distrust fills you this month. On the one hand, you want to share your woes with your friends, but on the other hand, you somehow feel vulnerable to open up to them. Follow your heart and do what feels comfortable to you.

Leo

The full moon finds your mind fully satiated from all the ‘spiritual food’ gained from conversing with inspiring individuals. With Mars travelling in your sign this month, you are embracing life with a renewed sense of enthusiasm. Some of you may just want to take a step back and live simply (and dare I say superficially) by focusing on your exterior; splash out on that new outfit or experiment a new image to greet the world.

Virgo

Thoughts turn inward with Mercury entering Scorpio on 13^th October, along with Venus also in the enigmatic Scorpio from 8^th October, trusting those around you could become an issue. You are not inclined to discuss your fears openly and would rather seek solace by retreating into a safe space. Life isn’t as complicated as it looks, simplify where you can.

Libra

How can I increase my earnings/material assets? With Jupiter opposite your ruling planet Venus, thoughts turn to putting your hard-earned cash into investments or multiplying your current resources through other means. With the instability of the current economy, you want to tread carefully. Go mingle and have fun with your friends, there might be someone in your social circle who could give you the advice you are looking for. Even if you don’t find it, at least you would have had an enjoyable time catching-up with your buddies.

Scorpio

The Full Moon on 12^th October highlights the need to look after your physical health. Take time out to rest and pamper yourself. With the New Moon in your sign on 26^th October opposite Jupiter and in harmony with Neptune, you are asked to be creative with the limited resources available to you at work. Be positive; think about what you have instead of what you don’t have.

Sagittarius

There may be someone at work you have your eyes on but are not ready to declare your love to just yet. Perhaps this new object of affection is not someone you would normally go for, e.g. from a different culture or religion. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Even if it doesn’t work out, there are plenty of other fish in the sea.

Capricorn

Climbing the career ladder and gloating at the top of the summit may be your ultimate goal, but to reach there, it’s not all about one person’s glory. Being a team-player and listening to other people’s opinions are all part of the package to achieve the success you are seeking.

Aquarius

Humanitarian Aquarians would like to invest their time and energy on a worthwhile cause. This month’s new moon on 26^th October falls in your house of public life. Having conversed with people from all walks of life, your mind is buzzing with new ideas to take your project to a bigger and more influential audience. You are imbued with an enigmatic charm and are ready meet challenges head-on.

Pisces

A busy month awaits you at work. Don’t worry, it’s not all hardwork but a time to exchange ideas and get inspired from your colleagues and receive support from your friends. There’s no room to be shy; put on the coat of confidence and catwalk down the aisle. Everyone wants a bit of your enthusiasm.

September Horoscopes

Aries

You come to the realization that success is not necessarily about self-achievement but it can be gained through the act of giving and being of service to others.

Taurus

You may feel your colleagues are forcing you to change the way you work. Think about who you really are and what is important to you. They may have a point to challenge your old ways. Why don’t you look into their accusation/advice and see if they have a point?

Gemini

Your thoughts turn to your home life. Perhaps you have been focusing too much on your career and have neglected your family? It’s not hard for you to make this up to your loved ones as you are an innate entertainer, bringing fun and joy to others.

Cancer

This month, you are putting a lot of thoughts on your health; from physical to spiritual. You believe that a healthy body is the required vehicle to house the soul. Therefore, it is important to nourish it with wholesome food and beverages. Spiritually, the mind can be calmed through the practice of meditation or engaging in relaxing activities.

Leo

Thoughts turn to your material assets and ways to increase your earning power. Caring for your physical health is also highlighted. Money can bring you material comforts but not at the expense of exhausting your body.

Virgo

With Mercury going direct again in your sign of Virgo, the fog lifts from your mind, leaving you a clearer vision of what you need to achieve this month. Others could give you ideas on ways to serve others and give something back to the community.

Libra

This month is a time to take a break from the social arena and retreat into a sacred space, allowing the mind to replenish its energy from the universal source.

Scorpio

Being Scorpio, you naturally need to keep your distance and have some kind of personal space from others. However, a busy month awaits you; be prepared to invest time on your friends and just having fun with them. This is the perfect time to share your hopes and dreams with your pals, regardless of their opinions. Even if you don’t get their support, you know they mean well anyway.

Sagittarius

This is a month of focusing on your career. How can I make myself stand-out? What skills do you possess that can move your professional life forward? Most importantly, how can I make it fun and enjoyable?

Capricorn

Career-minded and ambitious Capricorns are getting philosophical this month. What’s the meaning of life? What is important to me? There is more to life than climbing the career ladder. The simple act of spending time with your loved ones is equally rewarding.

Aquarius

Always thinking about others, Aquarians like to focus on serving mankind. This month, your thoughts turn inward and downward; fighting for the underdogs of society could be your next project. Just as long as you are being of assistance to someone in need, who cares what other people think?

Pisces

Romantic Pisces turn their thoughts to their significant other. It’s not always a bed of roses, but look on the bright side, the best part of a relationship is making-up after an arugment…..

The Moon Game

I attended my first astro event in Hong Kong over the weekend, organised by Hong Kong Astrology Club.

The Moon was the topic of the day.

This lunar body governs our emotions, feelings, habits and what gives us security. At one point, we split into groups according to the element of our moon and discussed on ways to protect our chicks from the vicious eagle if we were all hens.  

The fire group decided to give the chicks the opportunity to fend for themselves. The 'fire' hens wanted their chicks to develop a sense of independence.

The earth group would protect their chicks by finding a secure hiding place for them. The 'earth' hens did not think it's worth the effort to fight the eagle but to take a defensive approach instead.  


The air group would inform their chicks on ways to stay alive. Besides on educating their young, the 'air' hens would also wreck their brains to fight the eagle through trickery.  


Finally, the water group claimed that they would be terrified to be faced with the beast, but they would do all they could to protect their offspring by screaming at the eagle.


In the past, I've read about these 'elemental' discussions but it's something else to participate in one and witness the astrological influence on the final outcome.

Fire group

Earth group

Air group

Water group

Photo album of the event:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.259414017410875.69975.144474725571472&type=1