Astrological Alchemy®
March 20 is the Spring Equinox. This marks the time that the Sun moves from the southern hemisphere into the northern hemisphere, and day and night are of equal duration. The vernal point traditionally coincides with the Sun entering Aries.
The recent buzz in the media has brought up the age-old discussion of the difference between tropical and sidereal astrology.
Every well-grounded astronomer and astrologer has been aware for the past several thousand years of what is known as the precession of the equinoxes. The Sun’s annual apparent motion through the 12 signs of the zodiac at roughly one degree a day is the definition of the cycle of the year. There is also an additional backward motion of the Sun through the constellations, which is known as the precession of the equinoxes. This retrograde motion is at the rate of one degree every 72 years. It takes 2,160 years for the Sun to move backwards through one sign of the zodiac. This period of time is known as a cosmic month, or an age, corresponding with what we know as the Age of Pisces or the Age of Aquarius. A year consists of 12 months, and a cosmic year is 25,920 years or what traditionally is known as Plato’s Great Year, which is discussed in his dialogues. At this point in history, there is a 22-degree difference between where the Sun is against the background of the stars and the traditional zero degrees of Aries marking the beginning of spring.
Sidereal astrologers, including Vedic astrologers, make their calculations based on this precession of the equinoxes. Western or tropical astrologers base their calculations with an emphasis on the rhythm of the seasons in relation to the stars. Their emphasis is on the cyclic growth process permeating the unfolding of life here on Earth. Amazingly, both systems work well but operate from different perspectives and subtly emphasize different information. It can be interesting and informative to look at life from both perspectives. Even Chinese lunar astrology works well and reveals truth, but from a different perspective. The more angles from which we observe something, the more completely we will understand it.
The article in the media also said that there was now a 13th sign of the zodiac. The word zodiac in Greek means ‘holy circle of animals’ and is the path the Sun traverses against the background of the fixed stars.
Some astronomers seem to have decided to include the constellation Ophuichus as a new sign of the zodiac. This decision is on par with astronomers deciding several years ago that Pluto was no longer a planet. They have no understanding of the deeper implications of the influences of these celestial bodies. Their positions are definitely incorrect from an astrologer’s viewpoint. Such is the difference between a material and spiritual perspective on life.
Aries (March 21 to April 19) You feel a strong need for freedom and liberation from old routines. There is a sense of opportunity now that must be acted on right away or it will pass you by. It requires some thought and planning in order to effectively seize the day. Don’t be surprised if you encounter resistance to your intentions. The warrior in you may have to do battle.
Taurus (April 20 to May 20) This is a good month for you. Career and work hold opportunities for your advancement. You can make more money now. It may not be flashy but it is an improvement over what you have been making. There is also a subtle influence for you to be able to give expression to your idealism and compassion in your service to others.
Gemini (May 21 to June 21) This month your mind is balanced by your heart. This gives you a greater sense of wholeness that allows you to experience your thoughts and ideas streaming from your heart as well as your head. This creates the opportunity for a greater wisdom to unfold within your life. You may encounter resistance to your environment when you begin to share these perspectives with others. Trust your insights.
Cancer (June 22 to July 22) You may feel shut down and conflicted now. Fear, anxieties, and worries are dominating your awareness — especially about money. Pay attention to the practical side of life and make sure that you are on top of everything. You are going to be tested now to see how much you can handle. Meditation and introspection can help you make good decisions.
Leo (July 23 to Aug. 22) You must get a handle on your impatience now. Your drive to get ahead and improve your life seems to be stuck and you are tired of it. You feel like you could explode. Frustration and anger are close to the surface and could boil over at any time. Try to get centered and chill out or you may get into deeper trouble. Don’t try to force things or they could explode in your face.
Virgo (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) Money and health issues may dominate your attention this month. Digestive problems can arise as a result of overindulging. Be conservative in your financial affairs. Both personal and shared monies are under stress. Debts, mortgages, and taxes can be an issue. Your investment positions can also be at risk. Make changes as they are required.
Libra (Sept. 23 to Oct. 23) Establishing your independence is important now. You need to learn to stand on your own two feet. You may feel shaky and unsure of yourself but you need to have the courage to do what needs to be done. You are going to feel so much better if you take full responsibility for your personal well-being.
Scorpio (Oct. 24 to Nov. 21) You are going through a growth period right now and it can be rather intense. Relationships can be somewhat bumpy now. Finding happiness within the context of love and money can be challenging, and that is what you are trying to do. You must get grounded and organized and make your stand for what you know is right for you.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) Love and money are the primary issues to be dealt with this month. Your innate optimism and self-confidence are somewhat shaken now. There is some work that needs to be done to right some situations that we have let get out of hand. The opportunity for improving the situation is supported, and you should receive illumination in terms of what needs to be done.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) Your financial responsibilities are weighing heavily on you right now. You need to be fiscally conservative. Cut back on your spending and pay off your debts. Most likely your investments need to be more conservatively positioned so you don’t lose money. The stress can even be affecting your health and digestion. Take remedies for stress and digestion.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) You feel the need to break free from old and worn out habits and routines. You want to spread your wings and soar. Visions of greater possibilities are presented to you. Impatience with your current situation grows. Don’t be rash but start planning and moving toward realizing a more ideal situation for yourself.
Pisces (Feb. 19 to March 20) This is a month that you need to get grounded and down to earth. Your innate idealism needs to take a back seat for a while. You have to face and deal with some difficult practical situations. There is plenty of support for you to work things out to your advantage, but you need to use your wisdom and planning ability to achieve success.
~ Robert Ayres is a Truckee resident and internationally known astrologer with over 40 years of experience. This month’s horoscope is cast specifically for the Truckee/Tahoe area. Contact him for personal consultations at astrologicalalchemy.com.
