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Astrology Helps NewsletterJanuary 23, 2012

In this issue we look at the chart for the sinking of theCosta Concordia cruise ship, check out the signs for the week,

and answer a relationship question.

Also, I want to thank all of you who sent comments on last weeksexamination of Mitt Romneys chart. Its always a pleasure to hearfrom you and your comments were, and always are, very welcome!

Shipwrecked

While the majority of astrology readings center on individuals, there is a long and

well-established tradition of looking at the charts of events. This can be anything, fromthe birth of a nation, to a missing person, or in the case of this weeks example,

the sinking of a ship.

In general, I avoid seizing on the misfortunes of others as material for the newsletter. Butin this case, the chart for the sinking of the Costa Concordia is so eloquent and direct,I cant resist. Also, its a somewhat unusual situation in that we have a clear timeline

to erect a chart. In fact, because the timeline is so well established, we can choosefrom two potential charts: the chart of the ship launching or the chart of the sinking.

Because the two charts are very similar, with the only the difference beingin the rising sign, Ill use the chart for the shipwreck.

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Not surprisingly, the astrology is dire and has a fated quality. And what I mean by that isthat as often happens, the chart is dominated by the presence of fixed stars at critical

points. For those of you who are new or dont remember my previous explanations on this,the fixed stars refer to a group of a hundred or so stars that are believed exert an unusual

or special influence on earthly events when they are found in key positions of a chart.By key positions, I mean conjunct an important planet or on a sensitive point like theascendant or midheaven. In my own experience as an astrologer, when these stars are

found on a planet that is not particularly strong or able to act in the chart, there is asense in the person of a yearning for a different fate that is somehow just out of their reach.

We have Virgo rising, which makes its ruling planet, Mercury, the commander of theship. Nearly 400 years ago, the great English astrologer, William Lilly, wrote at lengthabout the astrological significations of ships at sea. Virgo, he wrote, symbolizes the belly

of the ship, which in this case is entirely appropriate as the bottom of the ship was torn apartby rocks. What makes Mercury so crucial in this chart is its position on one of the mostunfortunate of the fixed stars, Facies. How unfortunate? According to the standard text

on the topic, Facies symbolizes blindness, violent death, sickness, accidents, broken limbs.

But theres much more. Look at the rising sign and youll see both the Moon andMars in Virgo conjunct to another fixed star, Denebola. Once again, Ill simply quote

rom Robsons book: Criticism, mental illness, happiness turns to despair, disease,natural disasters, catastrophes.

Happiness turns to despair. Is there a better possible description for a cruise ship sinkingin the ocean? In addition, keep in mind that Mars also rules the house of death (8th house

cusp is Aries) in this chart, reinforcing it as a sensitive point. Finally, its worth lookingat the Sun, which is placed in the house of pleasure (5th) but in the least pleasurable sign,Capricorn. It is square to Saturn (authority) and, almost as a coup de grace to this tragicstory, is placed on another fixed star, Peacock, which may be an appropriate description

of the captain of the ship. And the astrological meaning of the fixed star, Peacock:vanity, love-of-display, a long life and sometimes fame.

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The Purpose of Astrology

An astrological reading can be eloquent in terms of focusing people onwhat they should be doing. Because the fact is that when people aredoing something that fulfills them, theyre less likely to get caught up

in pettiness, trivia and all the other negative emotions thatblock us from growing.

To learn more about readings, go to:www.astrologyhelps.net

The Sky Ahead

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Aries: Sometimes its necessary to detach from events or peoplearound you in order to gain perspective. This doesnt have to be

done in a cold way, or with the intent to cause harm. Instead, think ofit as a tool, much like a measuring stick, to assess your distance fromthe world. If people are too far away, then its an opportunity to move

closer. Or vice versa. Most important of all is the task of measuringwhere you currently to where you wish to be.

Taurus: Emphasize the unusual this week by using the Moonspassage through Aquarius to elevate social ideas or connections. Whilethere is some tension between security-minded Taurus and visionaryAquarius, you can use that conflict to your advantage by finding andusing whats different or unique and turning it into an advantage ordifferentiator. No need to make sudden changes, just positive ones.

Gemini: Whatever you do, avoid spending time with people or insituations that dont help you expand in some way. Instead apply

your considerable mental energy into channels that are likely to yieldlong-term benefits. Dont worry too much about whether or not othersunderstand you. The goal here is to develop a better understanding of

what your own needs are and then compare them to those around you.How do they all fit together?

Cancer: Dont let your urge for security override your need foradventure or stimulation. Shaking things up every once in a while is

necessary for Cancerians to stay balanced. Otherwise theres a dangerof growing too fond of your shell. Keep in mind that no matter howbeautiful your shell, or your home is, its still a shell and you need

to be comfortable outside of it. Adventurous impulses can leadto unique rewards.

Leo: Bold expressions will be rewarded this week, as the Leo

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Sun finds heightened expression with the Moon in Aquarius. This isa good week to look at the bigger social picture and figure out whereyou fit in. And once youve figured out where to fit in, you need to

make others recognize your value by displaying your knowledge andperceptions. Sometimes Leos have so much pride they secretly dontthink they should have to roar to make themselves known. But thats

what roaring is for!

Virgo: By finding unique solutions to the problems that are on your

mind will not only reduce your inner tension, but also gain respectfrom those around you. Combine Virgo adaptability with the uniqueperspectives of the Moon in Aquarius to avoid repeating the same

behaviors, which, lets face it, always lead to the same conclusions. Ifyou see the world around you in a different way, and youll be in

the world in a different way.

Libra: Beware of being overwhelmed by whatever is going on aroundyou. With Venus moving through Pisces, there can be a danger of livinga little too much in your head or simply withdrawing from things. Your

mind may be somewhere else, but the pressures of daily life are allaround you. Figure out how not to get ground down by the demandson your time and attention. Remember you have a body that needs

to be taken care of.

Scorpio: Dont let unexpected events knock you off your path.Sometimes its much simpler than you make it: know what is relevantto your growth and what is not, and whatever is not should be quickly

dealt with and not worried over. Creative power should be runninghigh right now, so thats where the flow of energy should go. And if you

dont have a sense of yourself moving forward, this is a time to askwhy not and what has to change.

Sagittarius: Sometimes the need for security and the need forinnovation clash within you. When that happens, you need to be bold

and give up a little bit of what youre hanging on to for the chance togain more. In other words, take your big ideas and do something with

them this week. But, while doing so, dont overdramatize or turnsituations into melodramas. If you exhaust people around you

with little things, they wont be able to see the big things you have to offer.

Capricorn: Cultivate a little flexibility in your approach. Thedetermination of Capricorn is an admirable quality, but it can

bog you down sometimes. Instead of fighting against unexpectedcircumstances, use them to shake you out of your absolute certainty

about the world. If you cant connect to a higher cause, at least beopen to what others are saying and doing.

Aquarius:You should be feeling some power this week, as theSun joins the Moon, which is already in Aquarius. Its a good periodto finish projects and figure out what you want to explore next. Look

at things around you critically, but be careful in your criticism ofothers. Your detachment can sometimes seem offensive to those

who dont know you. You might want to leave room forself-criticism as well.

Pisces: Sometimes its easy for Pisces to be misunderstoodbecause theyre not easy to read. So dont take the attacks orsnubs of others personally. Remember you have a higher goal

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youre trying to reach and thats what really counts. Avoid anyimpulses to be indecisive; instead take action on your ideas, as

the Moon in Aquarius gives you insights that others lack. Insteadof having conscience be your guide, try having confidence be your guide.

Casebook of Horary Astrology

Whats Wrong WithOur Relationship?

The uses of horary astrology are many. Some clients use it as a way to checkin on a situation, as in the question, Will we get back together? While horary can

provide yes and no answers, it is also helpful in some situations as adiagnostic tool, as the client who asked this question found out.

As always, chart and answer are below:

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This is one of those situations where I feel a little awkward in givingan answer. The chart has Aries rising, with Mars right on the cusp.

The partner is Libra, giving him Venus and Saturn as rulers.The answer here is pretty simple: shes fallen out of love.

Mars in Aries has no interest in Venus or Saturn. In this case, Venusis probably too wishy-washy for the woman asking the question.By aspect, nothing connects these two. Was it always this way?

No. And the reason we know that is because we see that the rising sign has justchanged, from Pisces to Aries. In horary, sign changes are a big deal.

Basically, their meaning is: that was then, this is now.

When my client responded to me, her answer was very simpleand a little plaintive. Youre right. My feelings have changed. I dont know

why, but the things that attracted me to him just dont keep myinterest any more.

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You only possesswhat cannot be lost in a shipwreck.

~ Sufi saying

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Copyright Chris Petrakos 2012chris@astrologyhelps.net