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“False Alarm” Tarot Cards

The Hermit

Your first instinct might be to think, “I will die alone and unloved”. But very often, it just means your soulmate is a Virgo. Because this is Virgo’s card.

Justice

Some people draw the Justice card, and think a legal trouble is on the horizon. But often, it only means the wrongs in your life are about to be righted.

The Hanged Man

The go-to meanings for this are delays and sacrifices. But sometimes, The Hanged Man is only telling you that life is about to feel like a vacation.

The Devil

Many people are afraid that it means abuse, which it can. But in this card, the couple’s shackles are loose. So they can easily escape if they actually try.

The Tower

“My world will come crashing down!” tends to be the leading interpretation. But more often than not, it actually means, “Someone will rock your world.”

Five of Wands

This is a card of conflict, yes. But the fear it creates is unfounded. If you look at the card, no one is really hitting anyone. They are just playing around.

Nine of Wands

This one is often associated with the anxiety card, the Nine of Swords. But they are very different. In this, the enemy has already been vanquished.

Ten of Wands

Burdens. That is what everybody says. But the man in this card is not burdened by trouble. He is “burdened” by his harvest. He is bringing home the bacon.

Five of Pentacles

It can predict poverty, yes. But more importantly, it says that when poverty does come, help can be accessed. The couple is right outside a church – a sanctuary.

Seven of Pentacles

It does say, “Sorry. Keep waiting.” But what it is really saying is, “You are not waiting in vain.” Your rewards are guaranteed. They are just not ready yet.

Five of Cups

Most readers immediately see grief, and they are right. But there are two cups left standing. The future is still safe. Life still looks promising.

Eight of Cups

This card does not mean, “You are in danger. Walk away.” It means that while you are comfortable where you are, you will soon leave for a better path.

Seven of Swords

This is not always saying that you are the thief’s victim. Sometimes it means you are the one who will get away. Or that someone will sweep you off your feet.

Eight of Swords

No, you are not trapped. You are only feeling trapped. Yes, you need saving. But only from yourself. Let go of your hallucinations, and all will be well.

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[safstrology]

Transiting Mercury stations direct

Timeline (current events in bold)

Saturday, November 25, 2023, 12:40 UT - transiting Mercury enters pre-retrograde shadow, 22°11’ Sagittarius

Friday, December 1, 14:31 UT - transiting Mercury enters Capricorn

Monday, December 4, 19:34 UT - transiting Mercury’s greatest eastern elongation, 3°32’ Capricorn

Saturday, December 9 - transiting Mercury enters Storm

Wednesday, December 13, 07:09 UT - transiting Mercury stations retrograde, 8°29’ Capricorn

Friday, December 22, 18:54 UT - Sun-Mercury inferior conjunction, 0°39’ Capricorn

Saturday, December 23, 06:18 UT - transiting Mercury retrogrades back into Sagittarius

Tuesday, January 2, 2024, 03:08 UT - transiting Mercury stations direct, 22°11’ Sagittarius

Monday, January 8 - transiting Mercury exits Storm

Friday, January 12, 19:32 UT - transiting Mercury’s greatest western elongation, 28°48’ Sagittarius

Sunday, January 14, 02:50 UT - transiting Mercury re-enters Capricorn

Sunday, January 21, 04:03 UT - transiting Mercury exits post-retrograde shadow, 8°29’ Capricorn

===+++===

What a pleasant way to start the New Year, with Mercury stationing direct! What did you learn?

It may not feel like Mercury has gone direct, though. For one thing, it’s still moving very slowly - only on January 8 does it exit this “Storm” period.

For another thing, up in the skies right now there’s a bleeping mutable grand cross: Vesta Rx/Gemini; square Juno/Virgo (soon to station Rx); square Mercury, Mars, and Ceres in Sagittarius; square Neptune/Pisces. Ugh. Especially while Mercury is still a little wobbly, we need to be flexible and versatile - and to recognize when something is over with, and move on.

One aspect will mature before Mercury exits its Storm: on Sunday, January 7, Mercury/Sagittarius will trine Eris Rx/Aries (24°09’). We’re pissed off about something, and expressing the displeasure rather loudly - if we’re lucky, our broadened perspectives will light a figurative fire under our behinds, and motivate us into doing somethinf about it.

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Hi Ms. M do you have a list of books new astrologers should use to help develop their practice ?

Thanks for the ask! I do have a list. Caution - they’re all older books, from when I was more $$$$ flush and could afford multiple trips to the book store. (But on the other hand, if the book is 30+ years old and still in print…!)

If you can afford only one book, I always recommend Astrology for Yourself by Douglas Bloch and Demetra George. They are thorough, and they’re an excellent starting place.

The only topic(s) they don’t cover are progressions and solar arcs - prognosticative methods - and a good introduction to those can be found in Steven Forrest’s The Changing Sky. His intro book, The Inner Sky, is also excellent - no asteroids, though. I also recommend his books Yesterday’s Sky (all about the lunar nodes) and The Book of the Moon (all about lunar phases).

And of course his latest ones are excellent but probably not for beginners - The Books of Fire, Earth, Air, and Water.

Some other good ones (not all are necessarily meant for beginners) are:

Astrology: A Cosmic Science by Isabel Hickey

Alan Oken’s Complete Astrology - especially valuable for the first part, “As Above So Below,” which I try to re-read once a year

Linda Goodman’s Sun Signs - a classic from the 1960s

Asteroid Goddesses and Finding Our Way through the Dark by Demetra George

Dynamics of Aspect Analysis by Bil Tierney

Astrology, Psychology, and the Four Elements by Stephen Arroyo - the second half is an invaluable discussion of fire, earth, air, and water.

The Eagle and the Lark by Bernadette Brady - mostly about transits, but includes progressions, solar arc, planetary returns, and eclipses.

Heaven Knows What by Grant Lewi - the book my late mom literally threw at me, one afternoon in July 1978, with the immortal words, “Here, you figure it out! You’d be good at it!” Some of this book is just crazy, as it was written in pre-hippie days and goes for the “irreversible horrible fate” interpretations. But his delineations of every possible Sun-Moon sign combination are unparalleled.

If anyone is coming at this from a more Pagan/Wiccan angle, or from Christianity (like I did), then Maria Kay Simms’ books are excellent. She’s one of the few authors who gets the astrology right.

Happy reading!! Blessings, XOXOXO

[safstrology]

An Astrological (Mini-)Glossary: Thingies

Luminaries: the Sun and the Moon. Sometimes also called “the lights.” We can get an excellent “bare bones” idea of a person based on their Sun and Moon, and the interrelationship between them. And, looking at the luminaries’ cycle in the progressed chart is kind of a “TL;DR” or “Cliff’s Notes” version of your whole life.

The one astrological transit-type thing I always try to be aware of, on a daily basis, is what the Sun and Moon are doing at any given moment - in a way, it is a kind of “what time of the month is it.”

Inner Planets: Mercury, Venus, and Mars. These placements show how we’re unique individuals. For example: two of my sisters, my daughter, and I are all Geminis - with our birthdays on June 4, 6, 9, and 11 - but none of us share completely identical inner planet placements.

Asteroids: thingies orbiting (for the most part) between Mars and Jupiter. The four main ones (which I call “Lady Asteroids”) are Ceres, Pallas Athene, Juno, and Vesta. To me they’re all very community-oriented, providing us with clues/ways to navigate the immediate tribal and familial circumstances. I feel sometimes that we need to work hard on these, to become better at doing the next bunch of thingies….

Outer Planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune. Can be further subdivided into:

Social Planets: Jupiter and Saturn. All the people in your high school class (and perhaps a year before or after) share these sign placements with you.

Transcendental Planets: Uranus and Neptune. These show up more as generational influences: Uranus spends seven years in one sign, and Neptune spends 14 years in one sign.

Centaurs: various thingies orbiting between various outer planets. They act as bridges or ambassadors between those two planets. Sort of helping us navigate between our own culture (Jupiter and Saturn) and other cultures (Uranus and Neptune). The most famous Centaur is Chiron.

Trans-Neptunian Objects: thingies orbiting beyond Neptune’s orbit. Pluto is in this category, as is Eris. There are scads of these, too.

We don’t have to know every last placement for every last asteroid, Centaur, or TNO. It’s useful but not required. As an example, to have one of them closely conjunct an important point can help refine a delineation.

Similarly, a strategically-placed thingie can take part in an aspect pattern, like the way my Centaur Pholus turns a mere t-square into a grand cross. It isn’t conjunct anything, but it’s closely square my Venus and Ascendant, and opposite my Ceres.

Your Pluto or Eris, also, may not be very well-integrated or active in your birth chart, but one of the other TNOs (Haumea? Makemake?) may be pushing all the buttons.

A cool thing about the asteroids is that there are so damned many of them, they ran out of mythological names and started to have to use names of actual people, places, and even bands (#8749 Beatles). One fun rabbit hole is to look up your name, and the names of people close to you, to see where they fall in your chart. My son’s name is conjunct my MC, my daughter’s name is conjunct my Ascendant, and my own name is conjunct my Part of Fortune.

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Hello! For women is their Lilith placement their biggest fear psychologically or do we look somewhere else in the chart?

Lilith, the 8th house, the 12th house.

Lilith represents what we were shamed for, what we repress because of the punishments, ridicule we received for it. It could show the wild side of a person, how you want to rebel, where in your life you want to rebel. It is the sexuality, dark feminine, shadow self of a person.

The 8th House is generally connected to psychological fears, deep insecurities, what has caused us pain to such a strong level that we seek to transform, it shows trauma. Lilith is also connected to trauma, but one that was influenced by others. With the 8th house it could sometimes be a person's own thoughts, other times traumatic events.

The 12th House is also what you hide, but it is not connected to shame as it is connected connected to loneliness, imprisonment, isolation that is felt on a next level. It could also point to insecurities, bad mental health.

[safstrology]

The House of Siblings

Aries in the 3rd House: Sibling always fighting for something.

Taurus in the 3rd House: Sibling who never changes.

Gemini in the 3rd House: Sibling who checks every sister/brother stereotype.

Cancer in the 3rd House: Sibling always taking care of everyone else.

Leo in the 3rd House: Sibling who is at the center of everything somehow.

Virgo in the 3rd House: The "perfect" sibling or sibling that is the benchmark, the example.

Libra in the 3rd House: Sibling always trying to keep the peace.

Scorpio in the 3rd House: Sibling who is always too sensitive or has a "problem".

Sagittarius in the 3rd House: Sibling who is never serious, the comedian, or the first to leave the family.

Capricorn in the 3rd House: Sibling who acts like the parent.

Aquarius in the 3rd House: Sibling who is estranged, the rebel, or the sibling who always stands out.

Pisces in the 3rd House: Sibling who always feels forgotten, who follows in their family/sibling's footsteps, or gets special treatment somehow.

[safstrology]

Transiting Mercury stations retrograde

Timeline (current events in bold)

Friday, April 7, 12:01 UT - transiting Mercury enters pre-retrograde shadow, 5°51’ Taurus

Wednesday, April 12, 02:15 UT - transiting Mercury’s greatest eastern elongation, 11°14’ Taurus

Saturday, April 15 - transiting Mercury enters Storm

Friday, April 21, 08:35 UT - transiting Mercury stations retrograde, 15°37’ Taurus

Monday, May 1, 23:27 UT - Mercury-Sun Inferior Conjunction, 11°19’ Taurus

Monday, May 15, 03:17 UT - transiting Mercury stations direct, 5°51’ Taurus

Thursday, May 25 - transiting Mercury exits Storm

Monday, May 29, 09:39 UT - transiting Mercury’s greatest western elongation, 13°08’ Taurus

Wednesday, May 31, 19:39 UT - transiting Mercury exits post-retrograde shadow

Here are “Taurus Mercury Retrograde Survival Tips,” from the book Mercury Retrograde by Chrissie Blaze:

Keep your investments safe and secure: it’s not the time to play the stock market.

Minimize business problems by planning and ordering in advance.

Visit an art gallery and spend time with your favorite paintings.

Cook a special celebration meal for someone who needs cheering up.

I would add to that, keep it simple - this isn’t the time for convoluted plots or cunning schemes.

Before its Inferior Conjunction to the Sun, on May 1, the only major aspect Merc Rx will make is a sextile to Mars/Cancer. Normally that is a very energetic vibe, but neither Taurus nor Cancer is as “peppy” as Merc and Mars like to be! Maybe we can have a little breakthrough in calming our minds down “enough,” to be able to see what the reward will be.

[safstrology]

Transiting Mercury enters Taurus (pre-retrograde zone)

Monday, April 3 - Friday, April 7, 2023

First thing to note is, Mercury will be in Taurus for a loooong time - until June 11, in fact - due to its upcoming retrograde zone. This can be a good thing, because if any planet stands to benefit from Taurean steadiness, simplicity, and practicality, it’s jittery Mercury. But that same steadiness can turn into stubbornness if our egos get too involved; simplicity warps into laziness, and practicality into a lack of imagination.

Another possible hangup (and one I think we’re really going to have to contend with, come retrograde time) is the Taurean affinity for comfort. We all have our preferred ways of thinking about life, and we don’t much like having these viewpoints challenged. If some concept is too threatening, we’ll do everything we can to avoid it.

Because Mercury is spending such a relatively long time in Taurus, I wanted to go into a little more detail than I usually do for these transits.

Learning - we want to learn practical things, basic things. For example, life skills, such as gardening and/or cooking; we’re interested in being as self-sufficient as possible. We may want to learn more about money management and budgeting. It’s a slow and steady approach to learning.

If we can’t see any valid reason to learn something, we could shut down, digging in our heels and refusing to budge.

Thinking and reasoning - slow and steady again, which can be immensely useful. (And I have natal Merc in Gemini! I live for intuitive lightning flashes!). We want to be thorough, too, and may go over the same ground repeatedly until we feel, or it feels, right.

The trouble areas involve going for the more comfortable way of processing what we’ve learned. If some concept makes us uncomfortable, we won’t want to face it. We also tend to get stuck in mental ruts when Mercury is here. We don’t appreciate having to change our minds.

Communicating - Taurus rules the throat, and people with natal Mercury/Taurus usually have good voices. We can have a lulling and calming effect - just be sure, if there’s something important to be said, not to put the listener to sleep! We can be charming about how we communicate, too - polite at the very least.

Negatively, we may not want to bother with speaking up, if the topic makes us uncomfortable or if there’s possibility of a debate.

These four/five days have a rather distinct story line:

Monday, April 3, 18:55 UT - Mercury/Taurus square Pluto/Aquarius

Indicative of something we can’t quite wrap our heads around?! As it’s a square, the problem is with our own selves and how we habitually think. (Similar to the horror film cliche, “the calls are coming from inside the house!”) We are lacking information, or some crucial skill, and it pisses us off.

Wednesday, April 5, 16:21 UT - Mercury/Taurus sextile Saturn/Pisces

The first of three. Sextiles are opportunities, and here we have an opportunity to fix that lack of skill or knowledge. Because this is the first one, we’re mostly becoming aware of the possibility of learning, rather than actually doing anything.

Thursday, April 6, 23:33 UT - transiting Mercury conjunct North Node/Taurus, opposite South Node/Scorpio

This is so interesting, coming where and when it does! It’s like we have a little vision of what/how life could be like, if we do the Mercury/Taurus work.

These few days can be a set-up for the whole Mercury retrograde adventure. And it would be impractical not to pay attention to how this plays out, so that we can reap the most benefits.

[safstrology]

Planets' Detriment

When a planet is detriment in a sign that planet is uncomfortable, it is hard for its energy to be expressed. Some describe a planet in detriment as being weakened. There are a lot of challenges for these placements, but every placement has its strengths. The detriment can be like the planet is playing on hard mode, sometimes the planet's influence or area of life can feel like a test. But there can be unexpected advantages and insights by overcoming and understanding the detrimental position pros and cons.

Sun is detriment in Aquarius, finding that it spends a lot of its time thinking about others, especially their peers. Despite Aquarius being famous for their independence and aloofness, their humanitarian trait and focus on the group can make them less self-focused. The Sun is about self-expression and when in Aquarius that expression becomes unconventional. It's interesting that the Sun (personality, ego, vitality, self-expression) is detriment in a sign associated with individuality. But the Sun is a warm, gregarious, generous, powerful, authoritative, possibly traditional, leading planet. The Sun wants to be the influence, the change, the heat. Aquarius is about innovation, the unknown, unpredictability, curiosity, and progress. Sun in Aries is confident, action-taking, and self-focused and Sun in Leo is exuberant, brave, and proud. The self is potent and defined in these two fire signs, whereas in cooler, chaotic Aquarius the self or personality may be hard to understand by others. Aquarius may have times of being confident and sure of their personality, they can be willful, stubborn, and opinionated - I would not describe them as being subtle or fluid but they are extreme, windy, and their desire for change can bring misunderstanding, recklessness, and loneliness. This desire for change or even mayhem coupled with their focus on the group can also make them a passionate and devoted follower of trends, ideas, beliefs, maybe people. Their follower side brings a huge detriment to the royal Sun. But this placement is still highly emotionally and socially intelligent + traditionally "book smart" or academic as well. They are original and has a keen intuition for trends, technology, and general societal changes. The Aquarius-Leo axis is all about leadership, individuality, society, collective vs. individual. Aquarius can still be an amazing and inspirational leader. They can be charismatic, convincing, a visionary, supportive, utilitarian, intelligent, communicative, observant, ready, and accepting. Aquarius is the leader you want during unsure times. When the Sun is in Aquarius it experiences both being with the in-crowd and being the misfit, it has a chance to plug into the hivemind as well as complete disconnection. Here the Sun must live inside and outside labels.

Moon is detriment in Capricorn, here it feels restricted. When the Moon is in Capricorn there is an attempt to control emotions. Moon in Capricorn is self-disciplined, pragmatic, critical, and tends to try to control their home and family. The Moon here struggles to tap into intuition, express feelings, and may brush insecurities and sensitivities under the rug. Unaddressed issues are likely to be common. Moon in Capricorn's internal world is an attempt to dry out or contain the ocean. Moon in Capricorn can see their emotions as a weakness or as unimportant. The detriment for this placement is clear - surrounding control and emotional blockage. Moon in Capricorn should aim to be a lighthouse or sturdy boat vs. an attempt to silence, calm, or direct their own waters. It is important to note Capricorn Moon does not struggle to understand and feel their emotions or inner, private self but struggles with accepting, expressing, and utilizing it. The Moon is a symbol of the magic and power that comes with our emotional self. While Moon in Capricorn can face many challenges, they are still dependable, loyal, hardworking, and responsible. Capricorn's seriousness, logic, and sense of duty when accepting of their vulnerabilities and willing to listen to their intuition can be insightful, resourceful, calm, patient, and maybe even wise and imaginative. Capricorn like a lighthouse can help guide others, be a mentor, leader, protector, or provider. Capricorn is adaptable, dynamic, and enduring - they can be an unsinkable ship on a wild ocean, but they can only do this by getting familiar with their own waters vs. ignoring or trying to control them. All of these positives are associated with growth, even without active growth Moon in Capricorn can have a unique perspective in terms of the emotional world. They try to manage themselves entirely, leaving little room for mistakes. They are hard to embarrass, intimidate, and shake. They have strong survival instincts. They tend to be good listeners, can take their character or integrity seriously, and at the end of the day they are the least likely to allow their emotions to blind them. While other signs may be more in tune with their emotions, Capricorn at least won't drown or be impulsive.

Mercury is detriment in Sagittarius, pushed into asking the big questions and operating in a broad, abstract, and spirited way. Even though Mercury is a flexible, curious, and sometimes scattered influence, it still tends to deal with the factual, details, logic, and what is said or shared. Sagittarius is a sign of theory, philosophy, beliefs, ethics/morals, truth, exaggeration, storytelling, impatience, risk, and freedom. Mercury is about the words said, the facts from the textbook whereas Sagittarius is the meaning or intention behind the words and the impression or belief surrounding a text. Mercury rules over all communication, the mind, and learning but they are most associated with gossip, tact, wit, debate, eloquence, humor, persuasion, friendliness, and reasoning. Whereas Sagittarius is all about being forward and blunt, their honesty can be brutal. Sagittarius can be an eternal student or student of life and has plenty of traits or associations that can keep up with this high-energy planet, but they are brazen and are always looking to the future or asking "what ifs". Mercury in Sagittarius frequently puts their foot in their mouth, may be clumsy, could lack manners or just tact, they can trip over words or frequently interrupt others. But I should be careful not to paint a picture of this placement as being purely awkward, rude, and/or a bad communicator. The challenge or weakness Mercury has in Sagittarius is more about the sign's expansive nature and always thinking within uncertainty and the intangible. Mercury in Sagittarius can fall into hypocrisy, bigotry, self-righteousness, haughtiness, can become opinionated, be zealous and overbearing with their beliefs, may develop a temper, and may face challenges surrounding factual truth vs. personal truth. Sagittarius is closely connected to both an open mind or a closed one. Mercury in Sagittarius struggles to focus, can be insensitive, can have a forgetful side, is hard to satisfy or calm, may be carefree or unbothered by how things work which can offer a unique perspective on things but also be an area of restlessness or nervousness. Mercury in Sagittarius can also be motivating, optimistic, funny, catches and keeps others' attention, can be a great teacher, inquisitive, deep, exciting, playful, trusting, and sometimes honest to a fault. Mercury can learn to be adventurous and brashly confident in Sagittarius. Here Mercury must rely more on instinct, action, and luck than knowledge.

Venus is in detriment in Aries, becoming self-focused, not afraid of conflict, and at times may prefer separation, independence, competition, and confrontation. Venus in Aries tends to be attracted to those who are a challenge or "hard to get"- a reward or competition to win. They can also be attracted to those who are confident, passionate, and Aries-like. This placement also finds flattery, admiration, attention, and being desired attractive and some may define these as a must in their relationships. At the center of this placement is the love for the self and/or pursuing one's desires. Venus does not like conflict, tends to not be the most competitive, is all about attraction and magnetism vs. action, and finds itself strained and heated in Aries. Venus in Aries can struggle with cooperation, compromise, rejection, and is known for being a selfish partner. But Aries is also known for generosity. This placement can be very ardent and romantic and is famous for having a high libido. They are known for falling in and out of love fast. They tend to burn through relationships quickly, can easily confuse lust for love, gets carried away in new relationships, and gets bored easily. Venus is about relating, persuading, connecting, charming, attracting, loving, and intimacy. Venus in Aries weakness is in struggling to join and relate. They have no problem standing on their own and may need to learn how to listen, give, relate, and sympathize in their relationships. They need to be more open to depending on another or taking care of others. But Venus is also about rivalry, and Aries has this down. Venus being about relationships does not always = a good relationship, harmony, or peace. Venus in Aries embraces competition in the social realm and in love but needs to be careful of always competing against or fighting with their loved ones. They can also be bossy and demanding of loved ones. But Venus in Aries can be a powerful placement for self-love, boundaries, and may have a lot of strength and motivation to leave a toxic relationship. When devoted Venus in Aries will always keep the passion burning, can be adaptable in relationships, can be fun and spontaneous, has confidence in their partner, and may find surprising joy in pleasing a partner or feel needed and important in relationships.

Mars is detriment in Libra, finding it hard to assert themselves and act decisively. Here Mars wants peace and harmony and while this can be positive, this Mars placement struggles with conflict and pressure. Mars in Libra can be easygoing and patient. They can give into people pleasing or may be highly evasive. Mars in Libra may swing from being changeable to opinionated easily. But Mars has a chance in Libra to become persuasive, cooperative, compromising, and understanding. Justice being associated with this sign gives Mars a chance to play judge or lawyer. They can have great mediating and/or networking skills and are usually logical and level-headed. While they may struggle to stand up for themselves, with confidence, and putting other's feelings, impressions, or needs above their own, Mars in Libra is usually not easily excitable, intimidated, or shaken. Mars in Libra may protect themselves through a laidback exterior, a dispassionate or detached approach, or with adaptability, distraction, and deflection. Mars in Libra also gives this fiery, passionate, sometimes brutal or aggressive planet an appreciation, maybe confidence, and intensity or willpower behind beauty, romance, giving, connecting, and equality or complementing. Mars in Libra could have a dependent side but the air element does crave independence and space, having a balance of this is very important for this placement. Being an air sign conflict typically lives in the realm of intellect, gossip, communication, arguing, ideas, and social issues or socialization. But Mars in Fire and especially its native signs Aries or the maelstrom Scorpio wants to win or conquer in conflict. Mars in Air and especially Libra wants to tie, compromise, debate, solve with rules, laws, maybe even boundaries, and sometimes make a deal. Mars in Libra - a sign associated with Venus the planet of love, lust, and desire can be something the planet Mars can relate to. Mars is also connected to intimacy, lust, desire, and romance. While Libra/Venus represents many opposites to Aries/Mars even when Mars is in detriment in Libra it can fall deeply, quickly, and recklessly in love or infatuation.

Jupiter is detriment in Gemini, here Jupiter may feel weighed down by the mundane or technical, or find it hard to stick to one path or continue to move forward. Jupiter in Gemini can be scattered with growth, individuals with this placement may struggle with patience, listening, or focus. Jupiter in Gemini can struggle to not only stick to a goal but find one. Jupiter is the planet of growth, abundance, luck, prophecy, religion, travel, indulgence, knowledge and wisdom, optimism, generosity, and faith. Here Jupiter lacks ambition, belief or trust in others, a system, or self, and possibly bravery or passion. Jupiter in Gemini at times may struggle to see the big picture or gets easily distracted by everyday stresses and worries, curiosities, learning, trends, or short-term fascinations. This age group may be very familiar with flakiness, gossip, petty drama, talkative people or conversationalist being admired or common, obsession or concern with social status, experiences the pros and cons of rivalry, fears misunderstandings, isolation, or exclusion, but also may have many friendly people, could frequently be supportive of one another or causes, embraces new ideas, can easily understand and get on each other's wavelengths, and may value community, friendship, education, and open or free communication. Jupiter may find itself unsure and find it hard to learn lessons in Gemini, but it still can find luck, positivity, and/or growth by being open-minded, flexible, social, staying curious or constantly learning, and playful. Jupiter is an indulgent and spirited planet that acts on instinct. Gemini is spontaneous and energetic. When Jupiter is in this buzzing, quick-witted sign it can be impulsive or reckless. Jupiter in Gemini can overpromise, tell tall tales or exaggerate, be mischievous, hypocritical, and opinionated. One of this placement's biggest weaknesses is a struggle to plan and commit. They may be opportunist, have an entrepreneurial spirit, maybe have con artist tendencies, fit in well within the gig economy or temporary work, and may have a knack for networking. Jupiter in Gemini may be forced to live in the moment a lot. They need to make change, excitement, and newness their comfort zone. Jupiter in Gemini finds confidence in intellect, sciences, or studies, and may live a life of constant growth through change.

Saturn is detriment in Cancer, frequently struggling to leave behind the past. Saturn is the planet of maturity, growth, boundaries, responsibility, purpose, and structure. When in moody, watery Cancer Saturn can find it hard to keep up their boundaries, may give into immaturity, childish selfishness, or insecurities. Saturn in Cancer puts their emotional wants and needs above all else. In some ways Saturn in Cancer's devotion is to emotional wellbeing and stimulation, coming in 2nd after that is devotion to loved ones. They may not fit into society's standard of "maturity, authority, or success". Saturn in Cancer also easily gets stuck in sulking, self-pity, nostalgia, and grudges. But this placement has an amazing ability to embrace and even use their vulnerability as an advantage. They can get in touch with and heal their inner child. Saturn in Cancer likely cares more about their family than society, community, career, or reputation. Cancer makes Saturn more imaginative, gentle, introspective, and intuitive. Speaking of intuition, following their heart or hunches may be key to maturity and survival. The responsibility of caring for others may be a hallmark for them. This may be a group of protectors and healers. While discourse may exist from subjects of betrayal, abandonment, family drama, and general bad blood, they can be an adaptable, cooperative group who mostly value patriotism, loyalty, hard work, practicality, and compassion. Saturn can surround important themes of protection and providing. In this way Cancer can fit in almost naturally despite all the detriment the placement can bring. Saturn can feel out of control, messy, unbalanced, and hypersensitive here, but there is stability and wisdom in Cancer's connection to heritage, tradition, roots, and family love.

Uranus is detriment in Leo, finding that themes of arrogance, selfishness, and abuse of power are common. The most confident and charismatic with this placement tend to make waves and changes during this age or in this part of a generation. Uranus in Leo can also find a new appreciation and fuel for creativity and originality. This time period or people may ask a lot of questions about individuality, taking care of the self, needs vs. desires, and self-love and empowerment. When Uranus is in Leo the planet of change and chaos brings upheaval in leadership, politics, royalty, power, influence, and fame. Uranus's weakness in Leo is in the separation and division of a collective or a person's ability to not be part of a group due to competitiveness, cocky behavior, a feeling or belief of superiority, being bossy, and maybe a temper. But Uranus in Leo has a lot of willpower, and these individuals will likely make a major or unforgettable impact with their lives. Uranus in Leo is all about independence, freedom, personal authority, and self-expression. They can be brave and inspiring but most with this placement tend to act alone or are purely motivated by self-interest. Those with fragile egos, who struggle with speaking their mind, the timid, overly trusting, open-minded and open-hearted, and blunt or overly honest may struggle a lot during this time period or with this placement. But this is a time or placement that shows how important people are on an individual level and the power they hold. Artistic freedom or celebration, recreation, passion, respect, affection, generosity, and the promotion of joy and excitement are all tools that are important to any rebellion or revolution this Uranus placement brings. Those topics are also helpful for healing after the mayhem. Uranus's exaltation is in Scorpio who is a group or time that focuses on the regeneration of the self, psyche, and collective emotional understanding. Uranus's detriment in Leo focuses more on a group's ability to stand on their own with outer power. Both are actually very self-focused. But Leo is a sign of creation, life, rule over life and Scorpio is the sign of death and rebirth. Change, transformation, and liberation usually are surrounded with themes of death in our stories and beliefs for a reason. But even with this common idea, Uranus in Leo signifies change that is usually hopeful. An example is all of the celebration, hope, excitement, and liberation but also power struggles of the late 1950's and the early 1960s.

Neptune is detriment in Virgo, finding this structured, organized sign feels restrictive or tiring. Neptune in Virgo tends to swing from being hypercritical and overly realistic to getting lost in unrealistic expectations and fantasies of perfection. Neptune may feel less imaginative, soft, or fluid when in Virgo. Neptune in Virgo may get easily impatient or disappointed with their peers and loved ones. Neptune here doesn't like to bother with the random, ridiculous, taboo, or impolite. Neptune in Virgo finds that in their search for truth, purity, and goodness or wholesomeness there can be a lot of illusions, distortion, and surprises. It is in Virgo's rationality, logic, attention to detail, and its association with the mundane, reality, or everyday life that makes Neptune feel or express weakly. Neptune was in Virgo during the crash of Wall Street and filled the 1930s with harsh reality checks and struggles. But this time frame also gave way to needed changes and policies. This generation is now known for their strength, frugality, and cooperation. Neptune is about higher causes, dreams, illusions, sacrifice, spirituality, imagination, and more. When in Virgo Neptune is pushed to focus on intellect, facts, and discernment. In general when Neptune is in an earth sign, there is an opportunity to become a generation that makes dreams a reality. There can be a complementing dynamic of imagination, visionary ideas and being practical. Neptune in Virgo individuals can be giving, self-sacrificing, and understands how to work with others towards a goal or may have a desire to help their fellow man. Neptune in Virgo can have a knack for teaching or guiding others, they are supportive, and gives constructive or helpful advice. Despite Neptune in Virgo's troubles, this is a placement that gives back, is adaptable yet tough, likely made up of two extremes of being down-to-earth or highly uptight and proper, and has powerful healing, serving, and crafting capabilities.

Pluto is detriment in Taurus, finding that it is frequently pulled to play it safe. Pluto in Taurus can find it hard to let go of the past or current situations, can be materialistic, may have a vain streak, is cautious, practical, and values security, stability, and possibly loyalty above all else. Change is hard during this time period and a generation with this placement may be highly resourceful - and this may come from being forced to be resourceful. Pluto hates predictability, stagnation, passiveness, indecision, or hesitation. It is the planet of power, rebirth, compulsion, obsession, elimination, destruction, and regrowth. It is a planet that demands action and transformation. In Taurus though things take time. These individuals can be persistent, enduring, practical, and will likely have a good eye for quality. This may be a time period where the real, high-quality, or sincere is asked for. The economy, wealth, and possessions will likely be greatly transformed under this placement. Pluto in Taurus can become grounded, is hard working, stubborn, maybe opinionated, and extremely determined. Pluto in Taurus may ask questions about values, what is valued, worth, beauty, and security. Taurus is known as a peaceful sign, associated with contentment, attraction, and relaxation. But Pluto will always be about death and rebirth, the last time Pluto was in Taurus was during the American Civil War and during industrialization. The changes, suffering, and power during this time may bring some form of peace or it may improve standards of living, but it won't spare a generation of transformation. Even though Pluto feels weak or strange in Taurus, this placement embodies willpower. The beliefs these people hold will be guiding, they may overcome challenges or make changes by sheer force, necessity, and perseverance.

[safstrology]

Sun in Taurus and being solid and stubborn in their personality and ego. Is consistent, maybe predictable.

Moon in Taurus and being steady and solid in their emotional self, rarely see them have a freakout or act insecure.

Taurus Rising and always giving a reliable and solid impression. They likely come off the same to most.

Mercury in Taurus and always saying the same things over and over, good at texting back, is consistent in their messaging and communication.

Venus in Taurus and never swaying from their love interests, loyal to a fault.

Mars in Taurus and never swaying from their goals.

[safstrology]

Transiting Mercury enters Retrograde Zone

Timeline (current events in bold)

Monday, December 12, 2022, 11:26 UT - transiting Mercury enters pre-retrograde shadow, 8°08’ Capricorn

Wednesday, December 21, 20:39 UT - Mercury’s greatest eastern elongation, 20°02’ Capricorn

Sunday, December 25, 2022 - transiting Mercury enters “Storm”

Thursday, December 29, 09:32 UT - transiting Mercury stations retrograde, 24°21’ Capricorn

Saturday, January 7, 12:57 UT - Sun-Mercury Inferior Conjunction, 16°57’ Capricorn

Wednesday, January 18, 2023, 13:12 UT - transiting Mercury stations direct, 8°08’ Capricorn

Wednesday, January 24, 2023 - transiting Mercury exits “Storm”

Monday, January 30, 16:01 UT - transiting Mercury’s greatest western elongation, 15°33’ Capricorn

Tuesday, February 6, 2023 - transiting Mercury exits post-retrograde shadow, 24°21’ Capricorn

Damn, not again! Check out the house(s) in your natal chart between 8°08’ and 24°21’ Capricorn - that’s where your thoughts are going to stall out for a while. Looking at Mercury’s areas:

Input (learning) - we don’t know something that we (think we) should know. Could be specific information, could be a different perspective.

Process (thinking, reasoning) - we may have been a little sloppy, over-optimistic, or immature.

Output - you can’t find the right words; you’re coming across as too cranky, bitter, or pessimistic.

During this initial phase of Mercury retrograde (between now and the greatest eastern elongation), we are in a way setting up the situations we need to address. A couple of specific dates are Wednesday the 14th, when we have a good idea about how/where/why we need to focus our efforts; and Saturday the 17th, when we get a glimpse of some pretty amazing potential rewards if we get it right. (We have to at least try!)

[safstrology]

Hey. What aspects are very binding in synastry and composite chart, aspects that make you fight for relationship? Thank you.

Saturn and Pluto 100%

Saturn aspects, especially between Venus and Saturn are an indication that you are very stubborn about the relationship. That's why it is an indicator of a long-term relationship.

Saturn itself is the planet of suffering - something may cause you pain but you still enjoy it and do not want other options. That's how it can manifest in relationships as well. Saturn is persistent and devoted.

The Venus-Saturn conjunction is the most prominent. Stubbornness and willingness to forever fight for the relationship even if it causes you pain. The Saturn person can be a true masochist. The Venus-Saturn trine and sextile is more toned down. Commitment naturally happens, it is not something forced and it doesn't feel like you have to fight for it. Venus-Saturn opposition can bring difficulties, but there is stubornness and it can easily work out if both people make compromise. Venus-Saturn square is something else. Stubbornness, you are willing to fight for each other even if there is absolutely no chance. Commitment can happen slowly, there could be outside circumstances that prevent it but does that matter? No. It can be very complicated though.

I have noticed that difficult aspects, especially square or opposition make the Saturn person even more stubborn to make things work. Saturn is the planet that makes us addicted to pain and suffering, so in a Synastry the Saturn person is always the one wanting to make things work out even if the relationship is bad for them.

Saturn aspects with other planets can be considered as well, but for romance Venus is the most prominent one.

Now Pluto is based on obsession, uncontrollable attraction and connection.

Venus-Pluto conjunction in Synastry can show a very difficult dynamic. It is an aspect for a very strong connection, one that is truly passionate, unbreakable. You can be obsessed with each other to an unhealthy level. In a pair with this aspect fighting for the relatonship is highly likely as you fear what you will do without the presence of the other person. They are bonded to you forever. Venus-Pluto trines and sextiles are once again easier to deal with. It is passionate, but not unhealthy. You still hold onto each other though. Venus-Pluto opposition or square is where the battle for control begins. The Pluto person will do anything to keep the Venus person. They can be possessive, controlling, but the Venus person can be drawn to that - Venus loves attention, even if it's unhealthy. It can create a very toxic dynamic at times with a lot of games, jealousy, bad behavior. I don't think this aspect manifests that badly in most pairs who have it (unless they have multiple strong Pluto aspects and 8th house placements). But it can be a relationship where you want to keep each other and fight for each other, even if the relationship itself is complicated and hard for both of you.

[safstrology]

Mars in Cancer is about lack of assertion due to fear of their own raging waters. There is a fear of regret, broken trust, and hurting one’s self. The desire to heal, care, and nurture tends to smother their heat.

Mars in Libra fears being seen as bad, ugly, disliked, or hated if they stand up for themselves or fight. Their impulse to create peace and cooperate also mutes their assertion.

Mars in Pisces is a lack of assertion due to the desire to heal, help, and mostly to escape. The pain and heat of anger to them and others may scare them.

Mars in Taurus can fear change and their cautiousness or hesitance makes it hard to express their heated feelings until things get to a breaking point.

[safstrology]

Hi, uhm what placements/aspects/degrees do you think can make someone unlucky in love? I always see posts about those who are lucky in that department but rarely those who aren’t

I wouldn't interpret these placements as unlucky, but I will give explanation to why there could be problems when it comes to love.

Venus in 6th, 8th or 12th house

Venus in 6th can make someone view love as responsibility, as something that has to happen. Partnership is like a requirement rather than a joy. Venus in 6th can have very high standards, a lot of demands for their partners and this can be very difficult for the opposite party in a relationship. Venus in 8th attracts toxic dynamics in love. They like people who are unhealthy for them, people who are exciting, but the relationship is just bad. They could get in secret relationships, forbidden affairs, there is toxicity written all over it. Venus in 12th can be blinded by love. Doesn't matter how many people tell you that person is bad for you, you don't see it. They can be delusional and there is no sense of reality. Can be beautiful if they are with the right person though.

Venus conjunct/square Saturn, Saturn in 5th/7th or ruler of the 5th or 7th house conjunct Saturn

e.g. Virgo on the 5th house cusp, Virgo is ruled by Mercury, Mercury is conjunct Saturn.

Strong Venus-Saturn aspects generally show that love doesn't come easily. They can be a late bloomer, meet their love later in life, get married later in life. Note that this can also be interpreted as attraction to people who are older/more mature/someone they view as authority. Venus-Saturn can also show romantic difficulties, good relationships that have outside factors that prevent them from happening. Saturn in 5th or 7th are interpreted similarly. Saturn in 5th can show lack of sexual desire or late sexual awakening, Saturn in 7th can point to marriage later in life.

Venus square Jupiter

This is nothing major, but can point to your ego becoming a problem in your relationship. Higher-than-thou attitude towards partners, selfish behavior. Is it always like this? No, but in some cases it could be the problem. Also no sense of responsibility in relationships.

Venus conjunct South Node, South Node in 5th or 7th (or ruler of 5th or 7th conjunct South Node)

e.g. Virgo on the 5th house cusp, Virgo is ruled by Mercury, Mercury is conjunct the South Node.

You might hold a lot of relationship karma. Attachment to the past, difficulty moving on, living in the past when it comes to love. It can be quite overwhelming and there can be a sense that nothing will be as ever good as something you have already experienced.

Venus conjunct/opposite/square Uranus

This isn't unlucky, but it can show that you could attract a lot of relationships with an on/off dynamic. Peace doesn't work for you. You want thrill and excitement, you are easily bored. Love is chaos.

Venus conjunct/opposite/square Neptune or Venus in Pisces, Neptune in 7th

Similarly to Venus in 12th, strong aspects with Venus and Neptune or Venus in Pisces can show someone who is blinded by love, someone who views love as a sacrifice. You do everything for others, but do they do everything for you? It can show romantic idolization, you are impressed by things other people aren't. You fall in love easily. There is lack of rationality, lack of realistic outlook, sometimes straight up delusion. They can be easily jealous and insecure in relationships, they need reassurance and it can never be enough. HOWEVER, in a good relationship this can be extremely romantic, very loving, love feels like a dream, like something out of a movie.

Venus in Aries, Scorpio or Virgo

Venus is in detriment in Aries and Scorpio and in Fall in Virgo. In detriment there are difficulties, it feels harmed and complex in a way. In fall (Virgo) it just feels unfamiliar, there is lack of strength in Venus. As for actual interpretations, Aries and Scorpio are ruled by Mars (in traditional Astrology Scorpio is ruled by Mars). Mars is the planet of force and action, aggression, violence, so when Venus is in either one of these signs, it can show that love can be uneasy, complex. There is attraction to unhealthy, difficult dynamics in love. Venus in Virgo in my opinion, isn't bad, it can show having very high standards and it can often point to people who are quite aromantic.

[safstrology]

what to you is the lesson 8th house synastry tries to teach us?

The 8th house synastry is one of the most complicated ones imo, in both platonic and romantic relationships.

In platonic ones, it is the close friendship that overwhelms us, that we are afraid of - the other person is something who knows even our weakest side, the things we hide from others. It can be good if it's balanced with harmonious aspects of the planets. Negatively, it can be interpreted as envy, jealousy, possessive behaviors - you don't want the other person to be friends with anyone else, you fear them getting close with anyone else. It can be emotionally overwhelming. It can be a friend-enemies situation. You love each other but you also bring out very negative feelings from each other.

Romantically, it is usually the number one sign of a toxic relationship (overused term, but here it can be both lighly and heavily). There is passion, sexual chemistry, you view the other person as someone who has entered your life to change it. You are very, very close and intimacy is beyond physical. The relationship can bring out a very dark side of the 8th house person where they can experience emotions that don't even feel like them. Even if you are not a jealous and possessive person, the person whose planet is in your 8th house will bring that side of you. I like to joke with my friends who are familiar with astrology how I always know when a person or a couple has/have strong 8th house. There is always some kind of darkness to the relationship, strong chemistry, they keep things hidden, under wraps.

I don't think it's something you should run away from but definitely try to rationalize your emotions before expressing them, try to stay calm, don't let the negativity and outbursts prevent you from enjoying an otherwise wonderful relationship.

The 8th house synastry can teach us a lot about the complex part of us, what we hide, our insecurities and fears. This side of the house person is released when the planet person enters their life. It can be a life-changing, deep, transformative relationship and it can be positive if you learn to deal with it in a healthy way (this requires both people).

[safstrology]

hope all is well.

I’m curious to know what’s the best house placement for Venus?

In the natal chart honestly each one has a lot of great qualities. In Synastry I am picky and I have preferences.

For the natal chart:

Venus in 1st brings charisma, good personal presentation and style, you can be well-liked by others, leave a good impression.

Venus in 2nd is confidence, high self-esteem, high self-worth, a love for beatiful things - you want to have all of the beautiful possessions possible. Brings luck with money as well. luck in close/intimate relationships.

Venus in 3rd are wonderful communicators, sweet talkers, flirtatious, charming, good writers, very patient with other people. there is love for learning. good at skills.

Venus in 4th shows healthy emotional environment, luck with family (the one you are born with or the one you create), luck with living situation, also wisdom from family

Venus in 5th are lucky in love, very romantic and love-obsessed people, also very creative. can be a sign for talent in the chart. large social presence, love for entertainment.

Venus in 6th are blessed with good health, the ability to be patient and make things work even when it is difficult. good with routine, schedule, planning. good work environment.

Venus in 7th is the second most "natural" placement for Venus (after the 2nd House). Good relationships, both personal and professional. luck in business (anything involving another party), including marriage.

Venus in 8th is the one who manages to overcome their darkness, their insecurities and troubles or use them to their advantage. luck at gaining power. financial luck as well.

Venus in 9th indicates travel opportunities, good education, passion for learning regardless of whether it's in an academic setting or not. very focused on their growth, personal imporvement.

Venus in 10th shows professional success, good reputation, good image, people who are known for their charisma, appearance, presentation. can also indicate luck in marriage.

Venus in 11th are blessed with a large social circle, good friendships, a lot of opportunities, the ability to go after their dreams and passions. great at networking, making connections. many celebrities have this.

Venus in 12th are the people who benefit from spending time alone. isolating yourself isn't bad, it can lead to your next glow up. you are in tune with your spiituality, with your higher self. trust your intuition always.

For Synastry:

My favourites are Venus in the other person's 1st. Physical attraction, natural chemistry, you enjoy being around each other. It can be very sweet, you bring out each other's confidence. The House person is the planet person's dream person. Venus in the other person's 2nd shows passion, physical chemistry, love between the two is very physical. If this was a love language it would be physical touch and gift giving. You are very appreciative of each other. Similar romantic needs and values. Venus in 4th can be very wholesome, very caring and sweet kind of relationship. Very domestic, you may seem married from the start. Possibly the best placement if you want to live with someone or want to start a family with them. Venus in 5th is my favourite. Is it a sign of a serious relaitonship? No, but it can be one that you won't forget. It's the placement for a summer affair, a fling overseas, something truly romantic, out of a novel. You inspire each other, you bring out the romantic out of the other person. Also, strong sexual chemistry. Venus in 7th is the one that is great for a committed relationship. Your love for each other is selfless, you put the other person first, everything you do, you do together. This is a marriage placement in synastry or at least one for a long-term relationship. Venus in 8th is my secret favorite, find out why in my 8th house answer post