Solunars by Aldebaran Sidereal Academy

In another thread, Alinda gave her birth data as November 7, 1980, 1:24 AM EST, Portsmouth, VA. Here are the notes I promised on the strongest factors in her chart.

SUN in LIBRA
Relationship-centered. Polite, warm, affectionate (possessive, jealous). Enjoys beauty, comfort; often artistic. Appearance-conscious (vain). Tease, swings between gratify vs. deny (self, others). Peace (appeasement). Justice (righting wrongs). Self-sufficient, cautious; effective survivors. Feminine thrives better than masculine. Optimistic futurist (personally, socially).

MOON in LIBRA
Popular, polite, friendly, attractive. Passionate, determined. Emotionally efficient (private, controlling). Defiantly self-sufficient. Sexual magnetism, seductive personality. Justice (righting wrongs) cares deeply about human rights and social wrongs. Seeks agreement. Aesthetic (fine art, design).

Moon conjunct Mercury (1°55')
Intellect fused with the emotions, especially with subconscious patterns; thus, quick at assessment, intuitive, strategic (cagey, deceptive). Personality dominated by intellect and nervous system. Tremendous mental output and capacity to absorb knowledge (apt at languages, good memory). Can seem ‘all business’ in emotional matters and emotionally stubborn in factual ones: Under duress, “reasonableness” competes with reactive emotion.

MARS in SCORPIO
Determined, hardworking, fervent desire to succeed, hard to intimidate. Sharp humor, willing to be outlandish. Loves to party. Most prefer some “bad girl” in their character, feel it their moral duty to misbehave on schedule, and stay “a little rough around the edges.” Most of the women are high-demand sexual locomotives.

Mars conjunct Neptune (2°10')
Zealous enthusiasm for interests and convictions. Supercharged imagination and emotion, thrives in conditions of stirred passion. Requires rapid conformity of reality to wants (usually gets it). Surges into temptation, impatient with frustrated gratification, yet often with great stamina for long-term vision. Obsessive, concentrated (high IQ), with enormous psychic power to fascinate and move minds and reality in a thriving life of high drama. Can compel an almost religious following as if by pure will (manipulative). Dramatic aggressions: Frustration triggers unresolved anger patterns. Sexually magnetic yet wrestles with sexual demons and doubts. (This aspect is most comprehensively expressed by high dopamine levels and dopamine-driven behavior.)

MERCURY in LIBRA
Courteous, well-mannered expression. Tactful, gracious, persuasive, pleasant (sarcastic, withholding). Mediator, negotiator, peacemaker, diplomat (idealist). Masters of finding common denominators. Mind has considerable intensity.

Mercury octile Neptune (0°29')
Hyper-responsive to environment, sensitive to impressions (psychic). Magnifies trivialities (perfectionist). Loves puzzle- or problem-solving: psychological relief from fantasied problem solving (may avoid real problems). Dreamer, storyteller; can enthuse others, convince someone of almost anything.

VENUS in VIRGO
Intellect and reason as basis of romantic choices (wants to “make good choices”). Companionship as important as Eros. Undemonstrative with affection or attraction. Kind lovers (more devoted than dutiful). Takes life seriously (play isn’t a priority). Matter of fact, serving, inclined to help. Usually monogamous, few wander; inclined to conventional relationships.

Venus octile Uranus (0°44')
Pleasure needs are free from social convention or taboo; enjoys diverse social and sexual experiences. Approach friendship, love, and sex impersonally, on their own terms (deep instinct for flexibility and freedom). Popular, friendly, flirtatious, roguish.

Venus conjunct Saturn (3°55')
Work, duty, devotion are gratifying. Restrictions in love; ordinary pleasures may be deferred. Many seem comfortable unpartnered, though there is rarely sexual restraint. Childhood hardship or deprivation shape adult patterns. Sober, responsible.

OUTER PLANET ASPECTS
Jupiter conjunct Saturn (3°28')
Practical, sensible (especially with finances). Responsible, conscientious, determined. Courageous, effective survivors; rarely halted by adversity. Patient hard work (earning one’s place, success through industry) brings the most reliable rewards. Balances gain and loss: what can be won from losing, what it costs to win (cf. politics, finance; making lemonade from lemons). Attuned to legacy, heritage, tradition. Cornerstones of their families or circles. Orthodoxies draw their strong allegiance or opposition (the most creative become baselines of new orthodoxies).

Neptune sextile Pluto (1°39')
Open to shifting viewpoint, alternative perspectives, variant possibilities: Potential to forge a new worldview and enroll others. Uncertainty feeds desire for certainty, regarding things a certain way and not other.

One weaker factor - wide enough orb that I didn't want to include it in the notes above, but, ultimately important enough not to ignore - is the wide Moon-Sun conjunction (6°32'). A typical interpretation of this (without working too hard to fit it into the rest of the chart, and understanding it should be a bit understated due to wide orb) is:

Moon conjunct Sun
Energetic, dynamic, terrific drive, forceful. Psychic vitality, a mental-emotional attitude biased toward success. At home with power. Intense desire in whatever they undertake. High vitality. Sexual desires strong, passionate, though often narcissistic. Possible vanity, self-exaltation, and obstinacy.

Also, in addition to the importance of the constellations holding Moon, Sun, and Mars, you also have a concentration of four planets in Virgo, which is: Strategic, tactical, analytical, logical, scrutinizing. Encyclopedic knowledge. Favors trees over forest. Innocent air (modesty). Courageous in word and deed. Service-minded, conscientious, efficient. Active toward social progress.

Thank you for posting this. I think perhaps what I relate to most is your interpretations Mars in scorpio, along with Mars conjunct Neptune (which Im surprised i've never paid much attention to). I do have a tendency to be a bit of an aff when i've got my mind set on something, and I have an instinctive tendency to be manipulative that i have to rein in.

Venus octile Neptune is an aspect I wasn't aware of:

Pleasure needs are free from social convention or taboo; enjoys diverse social and sexual experiences. Approach friendship, love, and sex impersonally, on their own terms (deep instinct for flexibility and freedom).

This is very much me, and part of where I was speaking from in the other thread when I said I wasn't conventional. I can't stand to be hemmed in and have a tendency to act a bit erratically aggressive if I feel I'm losing freedom. Perhaps that is related to Mars conjuct Neptune.

Mercury octile Neptune (0°29')
Hyper-responsive to environment, sensitive to impressions (psychic). Magnifies trivialities (perfectionist). Loves puzzle- or problem-solving: psychological relief from fantasied problem solving (may avoid real problems). Dreamer, storyteller; can enthuse others, convince someone of almost anything.

Another aspect I wasn't aware of, but is really dead on. I am very much hyper sensitive to my environment. If things aren't right, I can't function. I'm also very much a perfectionist, but really only with myself. I'm very hard on myself. I love problem solving, but I do prefer it to be someone else's problem. I can handle my own problems too, but I hate to deal with the details.

SUN in LIBRA
Relationship-centered. Polite, warm, affectionate (possessive, jealous). Enjoys beauty, comfort; often artistic. Appearance-conscious (vain). Tease, swings between gratify vs. deny (self, others). Peace (appeasement). Justice (righting wrongs). Self-sufficient, cautious; effective survivors. Feminine thrives better than masculine. Optimistic futurist (personally, socially).

MOON in LIBRA
Popular, polite, friendly, attractive. Passionate, determined. Emotionally efficient (private, controlling). Defiantly self-sufficient. Sexual magnetism, seductive personality. Justice (righting wrongs) cares deeply about human rights and social wrongs. Seeks agreement. Aesthetic (fine art, design).

Regarding Libra. I get most of it. I love beauty and finer things. I put a great deal of effort in beautifying my surroundings and pay more attention to my appearance than is healthy. I was once very involved in fine arts, now I don't have the time or inclination.

However, I'm not popular or particularly friendly. I'm not mean or disliked, but I generally like to maintain my space outside of the group. I'm very introverted and have at times, struggled with social anxiety. The result is that I don't feel very connected to people, and by that I mean humans in general. I care about human rights on an intellectual level, but I've never been able to make a meaningful contribution in a group, so I no longer try.

I wonder if any of this could be related to mercury being retrograde in my chart?

alinda wrote: Sat Jun 12, 2021 12:07 pm Thank you for posting this. I think perhaps what I relate to most is your interpretations Mars in scorpio, along with Mars conjunct Neptune (which Im surprised i've never paid much attention to). I do have a tendency to be a bit of an aff when i've got my mind set on something, and I have an instinctive tendency to be manipulative that i have to rein in.

We have a few people here who feel quite strongly that it's easier for them to identify with their Mars sign than their luminary signs. I think that's overstating the matter, but I have to agree that the Mars sign often has a really loud voice in us.

Venus octile Neptune is an aspect I wasn't aware of:

From your quote, you meant Venus octile Uranus. (Mercury is octile Neptune.) - Tend to use "octile" interchangeably for semi-square and sesqui-square (both of yours are semis), not seeing any real reason to have two separate terms.

This is very much me, and part of where I was speaking from in the other thread when I said I wasn't conventional. I can't stand to be hemmed in and have a tendency to act a bit erratically aggressive if I feel I'm losing freedom. Perhaps that is related to Mars conjunct Neptune.

It all works together, of course. You're a single person with several different types of needs and psychological forces needing expression. Venus-Uranus and Mars-Neptune does make a powerful social expression (code phrase for "fun" most of the time). I like that word "roguish" as a descriptor.

Mercury octile Neptune (0°29')
Hyper-responsive to environment, sensitive to impressions (psychic). Magnifies trivialities (perfectionist). Loves puzzle- or problem-solving: psychological relief from fantasied problem solving (may avoid real problems). Dreamer, storyteller; can enthuse others, convince someone of almost anything.

Another aspect I wasn't aware of, but is really dead on. I am very much hyper sensitive to my environment. If things aren't right, I can't function. I'm also very much a perfectionist, but really only with myself. I'm very hard on myself. I love problem solving, but I do prefer it to be someone else's problem. I can handle my own problems too, but I hate to deal with the details.

Thanks for the confirmation. Decades ago, I first tuned into how Mercury-Neptune was operating from several people who couldn't take being around smoke and had a sensitivity to odors others didn't even notice. This led to unravelling that there is a broad hyper-response through the senses - which takes a lot of different forms, depending on the person.

Yes, preferring it's someone else's problem! <g> Self-insightful of you. I've sometimes inadvertently insulted someone in the past by suggesting Mercury-Neptune was better at solving problems for others than for themselves and (here's where I put my foot in it) that a lot of them tend to dramatically make up problems that don't really matter so they can so seriously be "working on solving them" while avoiding bigger problems underneath. Here is my longer page on Mercury-Neptune: viewtopic.php?f=16&t=182#p1217

Regarding Libra. I get most of it. I love beauty and finer things. I put a great deal of effort in beautifying my surroundings and pay more attention to my appearance than is healthy. I was once very involved in fine arts, now I don't have the time or inclination.

However, I'm not popular or particularly friendly. I'm not mean or disliked, but I generally like to maintain my space outside of the group. I'm very introverted and have at times, struggled with social anxiety. The result is that I don't feel very connected to people, and by that I mean humans in general. I care about human rights on an intellectual level, but I've never been able to make a meaningful contribution in a group, so I no longer try.

I'm not sure how the balance works out in you. Sure, Venus-Uranus can be arms-length (or the opposite), Mercury-Neptune is hyper-sensitive (sometimes has to shield against others), Mars-Neptune has a range of reactions - and then there is Venus conjunct Saturn in Virgo. These aren't definitive on "maintain my space" but they do bring up different personality dynamics that have to "find their own voice" in the mix. You have a lot of flexibility in how you choose to give them expression.

Libras tend to be gracious and tend to like pairing. I'm sure if you're "not very popular," it's because you're choosing not to be "out there." A study in the '50s (when social patterns were quite different) showed that Sun in Libra was indeed the most likely constellation to marry. But, more broadly, I'd say "relationship is their biggest issue," something of great importance in forming who they are. There are a lot of Librans who feel a little socially anomalous.

I don't emphasize this too much in the interpretations because (1) it's just one variation and (2) one doesn't want to publish interpretations so vague or contradictory that they could fit anyone at all. (It looks dumb and doesn't serve, so "you're probably like this but could be exactly the opposite, too" doesn't go very far.) Libra is as much Saturn as Venus, so there is some ambivalence. Let's review whether I touched on this enough in the longer interpretations.

For Sun in Libra, besides saying relationship-centered and other things, I wrote, "Initially self-conscious about their relatability and sexuality. (Afraid they "won't know what to do," vulnerable to rejection: the relationship theme is so vital to their souls.)" My interpretation of what I've seen is that this is a significant "hot button" in the Libra psyche, so (in the same way that Virgos have an initial fear of being stupid, or Sagittarians of not being good enough, or Scorpios of not being strong enough) it's natural for a young Libran (in particular) to be self-conscious about relationship matters - it's a key theme of the "wiring." But I've yet to see a Libra that didn't get excited seeing that they "lit up someone's eyes." (I've been with more Libra women than any other Sun-sign, including my first wife with whom I'm still friends decades later. I've seen their beauty and their warts, and they've seen mine <s>.)

For Libra Moon, my summary paragraph ends with the parenthetical sentence, (Morbid expressions: alienation, breakdown of social adjustment.)" I deleted this when I put together your interpretive notes because your Moon isn't afflicted - there was no reason to presume a morbid expression. But it's common enough that it seems one specific way "relationships are a big theme" can work out. Libra Moons are normally popular in the sense of being "in fashion," gracious, mannered, friendly, tender, tactfully agreeable, etc. But (as listed in the long interpretation), the most socially agreeable are still defiantly self-sufficient and can seem hardened, controlling, and shrewd. I landed on "emotionally efficient" as a descriptor. They can be cautious, private, and withholding.

Moon in Libra, in other words, is much like Moon being conjunct Venus AND Moon conjunct Saturn at the same time, in comparable strength. I think most of the observed traits match this.

Alinda wrote:

But on my end, there was massive effort and heartache - I just choose to keep that to myself.

From the German School of Astrology pertaining to Midpoints, you have a very potent Direct Midpoint of Saturn/Node =ASC (0,05) which could astrologically explain your heartache. If interested, you can go to the following link and read/learn more. And, welcome to solunars Alinda.

Robert Hand wrote:

Direct midpoints involving the Sun, Moon, Midheaven, or Ascendant are to be taken more seriously than others. I find that direct midpoints are as important as major aspects in influencing a natal chart; if you use no other type of midpoint, use direct midpoints.

Alinda, your Natal Saturn/Node = ASC would apply to Robert Hand's above quoted words.

viewtopic.php?f=10&t=2388

SteveS wrote: Sun Jun 13, 2021 5:27 am Alinda wrote:

But on my end, there was massive effort and heartache - I just choose to keep that to myself.

From the German School of Astrology pertaining to Midpoints, you have a very potent Direct Midpoint of Saturn/Node =ASC (0,05) which could astrologically explain your heartache. If interested, you can go to the following link and read/learn more. And, welcome to solunars Alinda.

Robert Hand wrote:

Direct midpoints involving the Sun, Moon, Midheaven, or Ascendant are to be taken more seriously than others. I find that direct midpoints are as important as major aspects in influencing a natal chart; if you use no other type of midpoint, use direct midpoints.

Alinda, your Natal Saturn/Node = ASC would apply to Robert Hand's above quoted words.

viewtopic.php?f=10&t=2388

Thanks Steve,
This is interesting, but maybe because it's early, I'm having a hard time comprehending it. Are you saying that my ascendent is midway between my saturn and North Node? Then I interpret this as the influence of Saturn and Node combined on the ascendent?

Alinda wrote:

Then I interpret this as the influence of Saturn and Node combined on the ascendent?

Exactly! Your Natal Saturn/Node calculates a very important Direct mathematical midpoint which conjuncts your Natal Ascendant, almost exact 0.05 minutes of orb. The Sidereal Astrologer sees the two aspects (Venus-Saturn conjunction and Mars-Neptune conjunction) in your Natal which could produce a certain amount of life “heartache,” but when we combine the German Schools of Astrology with their Midpoint’s teachings, we see your Natal Saturn ( possible heartache) is mathematically structured with “connecting” (Node) you-up through one of the two main angles of your Natal, your Ascendant, a Direct Midpoint of Saturn/Node = ASC. Since, Sidereal Astrology main cornerstone of a Scope are the two angles (Asc & MC), we see a very important life clue here with a Direct Midpoint involving your Asc.
As just a possible general tone of Saturn/Node =ASC, Reinhold Ebertin (German School) writes from his book “The Combination of Stellar Influences” about this Midpoint:

….suffering under difficulties together with other persons (kindred). Separation.

Since you have already experienced your “heartache”, I strongly suspect you have gotten your main “heartaches” behind you. There is another strong clue in your Natal involving your Natal Node, a partile (1 degree or less) square of Sun-Node. Jim and Sidereal Astrology teaches that “Partile Aspects Reign Supreme” so we can clearly see here with your Natal combined with the German Schools of Astrology with the Node, there is something reigning supreme with your Sun 90 Node. Ebertin says for this combo only to be read as a possible life tone:

…Family ties and or shared experiences with the husband, male persons.

But, the German Schools of Astrology would ask: What is the midpoint structure of your Natal Node, and the main answer is: The midpoint structure of your Natal Node is it calculates a Direct Midpoint of Saturn/Node =ASC, so we see here with this important Direct Midpoint an important Natal influence. It has been my experience, at times, when we combine the German Schools of Midpoint teachings with Sidereal Astrology, it broadens our sight when we peer into our Natal’s. I hope you can see and don’t mind how you mentioning your “heartaches” prompted me to mention what I see as a very important Direct Midpoint in your Natal with your life experiences. Thanks for sharing.

alinda wrote: Mon Jun 14, 2021 5:11 am This is interesting, but maybe because it's early, I'm having a hard time comprehending it. Are you saying that my ascendent is midway between my saturn and North Node? Then I interpret this as the influence of Saturn and Node combined on the ascendent?

Midpoints are a factor that has been demonstrated to be of significant validity and importance in astrology. Astrologers can debate such things as how relatively important midpoints are to other factors, or what strategies should be used to sort through the enormous amount of raw data - to filter content from white noise; but there is little disagreement with the idea that midpoints are valid factors.

Specifically, the point exactly halfway between any two charts points is their midpoint. Notice that there will be two of these, since two opposite points are both exactly halfway between two planets. For example, both 20°47' Libra and 20°47' Aries are exactly halfway between your Venus and Neptune - both are called direct (conjunction) midpoints. Since your Sun is at 20°32' Libra, we can say that you have Sun at the Venus/Neptune midpoint within a 0°15' orb.

Midpoints have a nature that blends the two points composing them - not all that distinguishable from their aspects. For example, the Venus/Neptune midpoint has the same characteristics of merging with another, fantasy, and devotion that we expect from a Venus-Neptune aspect. Generally they are given a 1° orb and are considered valid in any 45°-multiple aspect, although most astrologers using them consider direct (conjunction) midpoints stronger. - As a slight variance, I can't tell the difference in strength between conjunctions with midpoints and squares to midpoints at the same orb.

The single biggest issue with midpoints, I think, is filtering out relevant data from "white noise" - because there is so much possible content. For example, those that have a luminary or angle in the mix are often thought to be more important that the other direct (or direct and square) midpoints. I rarely look at midpoints unless I'm zeroing in on examining the subtleties of a particular planet. Steve applies a teaching (with which I find no theoretical fault) of emphasizing direct midpoints only, especially if they involve a luminary or angle. (I think I state his position correctly.)

If you'd like to look into this further, here are all your direct and square midpoint contacts within 1°:

Mercury = Saturn/MC
Moon = Venus/MC = Uranus/Pluto
Sun = Venus/Neptune = Pluto/MC = Venus/Mars = Mercury/Uranus
MC = Uranus/Neptune
Neptune = Jupiter/Asc
Jupiter = Pluto/Asc
Saturn = Venus/Jupiter
Venus = Moon/Asc = Mercury/Asc
Pluto = Mercury/Venus = Moon/Saturn = Sun/Jupiter

Jim wrote:

Steve applies a teaching (with which I find no theoretical fault) of emphasizing direct midpoints only, especially if they involve a luminary or angle. (I think I state his position correctly.)

Yes Jim, this is my position. I agree with Robert Hand's position these are potent components of a Natal Chart and as Robert states: "if you use no other Midpoints be sure to use these". At times, I particularly pay a-lot of attention to Direct Midpoints involving angles. Its easy to slip into a rabbit hole with the many midpoints in a Natal Chart so I like to first look at Direct Midpoints involving an angle. Even then, we have to be careful, trusting the birthtime to be stated accurately. There are many ways an astrologer can use midpoints. I like to first look at the regular non-midpoint aspects in a Natal, and then if I find what I think is an important Natal aspect, I then want to see if one of the planets in the important Natal aspect is connected by direct midpoints to the angles or lights. Its not like I have a-lot of direct experience doing midpoint work with people I know, only my own limited personal research with AA rated charts of other people I don't personally know. There is no better research than doing research with a real person for possible feedback and Alinda has kindly provided her AA chart, but I understand if Alinda doesn't want to discuss personal issues with her life. I notices she was born with a class 2 conjunction of Venus-Saturn so I naturally wanted to see if either her Venus or Saturn was involved in a Direct Midpoint with an angle, and sure enough her Saturn was involved with her ASC--so my curiosity was peaked. I also like to go to Direct Midpoints for possible more info when the angles of a Natal are not strongly active for planetary foreground material. All Natal Charts are unique to each individual within their mathematical/geometric constructs, truly so.

Thank you SteveS for you analysis. I'm still trying to digest this, it is indeed a rabbit hole

So, I could be wrong, but I think you took my use of the term "heartache" to mean romantic issues. That was probably a bad choice of words on my part. While I have certainly had my share of those, what i was referring to, and what is forefront in my mind is general, is lifepath issues.

However, I have a couple of questions about how you interpret this aspect. First, I've looked up a couple of interpretations of this midpoint, and they do seem to center around relationships. But I'm not sure I understand where that association is coming from. I thought the NN pointed to karmic / spiritual path? Which is the sort of thing i was referring to with "heartache".

That aside, you say:

Since you have already experienced your “heartache”, I strongly suspect you have gotten your main “heartaches” behind you.

Where do you get the indication that I've put it behind me?



I was able to find the beginning of this quote.

SteveS wrote: Mon Jun 14, 2021 8:09 am

….suffering under difficulties together with other persons (kindred). Separation.

Which is:

An inhibited person with a desire for seclusion

This is a very relevant to me. And perhaps a lot of my issue center around feeling this way and having a strong need to DO something of value.

I should say though. I am married. We have been together 18 years, married for almost 7. We have a 12 year old. There have certainly been ups and downs but that isn't the focus of my life right now. Actually, now that i think of it, maybe that is what you were trying to say

There is no better research than doing research with a real person for possible feedback and Alinda has kindly provided her AA chart, but I understand if Alinda doesn't want to discuss personal issues with her life.

I actually don't mind at all. Feel free to ask if I can clear something up. This is fairly anonymous aside for my birth data, and i'm learning new things about astrology and myself. Its a win win.

Jim Eshelman wrote: Mon Jun 14, 2021 11:38 pm

If you'd like to look into this further, here are all your direct and square midpoint contacts within 1°:

Mercury = Saturn/MC
Moon = Venus/MC = Uranus/Pluto
Sun = Venus/Neptune = Pluto/MC = Venus/Mars = Mercury/Uranus
MC = Uranus/Neptune
Neptune = Jupiter/Asc
Jupiter = Pluto/Asc
Saturn = Venus/Jupiter
Venus = Moon/Asc = Mercury/Asc
Pluto = Mercury/Venus = Moon/Saturn = Sun/Jupiter

Thank you Jim. This will gives me a lot to think about

alinda wrote: Tue Jun 15, 2021 7:37 am However, I have a couple of questions about how you interpret this aspect. First, I've looked up a couple of interpretations of this midpoint, and they do seem to center around relationships. But I'm not sure I understand where that association is coming from. I thought the NN pointed to karmic / spiritual path? Which is the sort of thing i was referring to with "heartache".

Some astrologers do interpret the nodes that way, although (of course) there are difficulties confirming "karmic issues" objectively; but the most successful treatment of Moon's nodes has been the way the German (Uranian and Cosmobiology) schools treat them as meaning connections.

The word "node" literally means "knot, tie, ligature," as in two things knotted together. The root interpretation is that it is the most neutral form of the word connection possible: For example, it doesn't imply emotion unless an emotional planet is involved, doesn't even imply communication unless a communicating planet is involved. It's just a connection, just a "knot" or "tie." This, perhaps, is why some people began associating it with karmic connections: I've had more than a few connections where the perception was, "I don't know why in the world we're connected, we just are!" - because the usual reasons we say we're connected to someone are not necessarily the point with the Node (it's "connect first, reasons later").

FWIW, I include Moon's nodes among the minor factors and rarely bother to look at it. I think the above interpretation is correct - it matches experience, makes sense, and comes from some of the brightest people in the last century so of innovative astrology. I just don't find it very useful compared to what I get out of it. Others give it much higher priority than I do. (Something that affects all of us sometimes is the relative importance of a factor in our own charts. Caput is relatively minor in my chart - not really doing anything except sextile to Saturn and slightly wider to Mercury. OTOH Steve has it closely rising conjunct his Jupiter so it has an entirely different reality to him.)

Being the factor of Connectivity, I’ve been observing them in synastry and transits, and can say they do work and are of import to account for - we need more research, to formulate more specific/detailed description of how they operate!

Alinda asked:

Where do you get the indication that I've put it behind me?

My main indication is when you were app 25 years old, I note your Solar Arc ASC was partile conjunct your Natal Saturn. This is a major once in lifetime Solar Arc ASC = Saturn cycle. Solar Arcs were also developed by the German School of Astrology. This means, if your birth time is correct, your Solar Arc ASC was exact conjunct your Natal Saturn on Aug 4th 2005. Was your birth time seen with your birth certificate? Major Solar Arc cycles can manifest within several months of the exact aspect. Did you encounter a major life development within months of Aug 4th 2005? If so, for my astrological learning purposes, what happened? If interested, you can read about Solar Arcs here:

viewtopic.php?f=23&t=2953

SteveS,

My birth-time is on my hospital birth certificate, and matches my mother's recollection.

So most of what i remember about 2005, was that i in the midst a very early midlife crisis. Being about to turn 25, working in a bar, and very tired of it. It occurred to me that year that I needed to do something with my proverbial life.

So, in august I went back to school... having dropped out a couple of years prior. I just checked my transcripts, so i'm right about that date. I was also probably in the process of talking my way into a job with a defense contractor via one of the bar patrons... however, i don't think that finally panned out until early 2006.

But that point in time was more or less the start of the long uphill struggle that i'm still working on today.

Alinda wrote:

So most of what i remember about 2005, was that i in the midst a very early midlife crisis. Being about to turn 25, working in a bar, and very tired of it. It occurred to me that year that I needed to do something with my proverbial life.

Thanks for this feedback Alinda. I would have guessed some type of major separation involving love with Solar Arc Asc conjunct Saturn, but it appears to be only burn-out and Saturn Inhibition pertaining to job. I find your direct midpoint of Venus/Jupiter = Saturn interesting, allow me some more questions.
Alinda wrote:

I am married. We have been together 18 years, married for almost 7. We have a 12 year old.

A long love relationship with a delayed marriage---interesting. During this 18 year relationship, was there ever a temporary separation before marriage? I calculate your Solar Arc ASC exact conjunct your Natal Jupiter Mar 6th 2002. Was this 2002 date within a few months when you first met your husband? I calculate your Solar Arc ASC exact conjunct your Natal Venus June 16 2009. Was this 2009 date within a few months of the birth of your only offspring? Thanks.

SteveS wrote: Tue Jun 15, 2021 1:16 pm During this 18 year relationship, was there ever a temporary separation before marriage?

No, we've never separated. We always said we would never get married or have kids, then we had a kid, and i quit my job for a few years and needed health coverage... terribly romantic, I know

SteveS wrote: Tue Jun 15, 2021 1:16 pm Solar Arc ASC exact conjunct your Natal Jupiter Mar 6th 2002. Was this 2002 date within a few months when you first met your husband?

We started seeing each other in the summer of 2003. I met him before that as we were associating with same people, but I couldn't say if it was as far back as March 2002.

SteveS wrote: Tue Jun 15, 2021 1:16 pm your Solar Arc ASC exact conjunct your Natal Venus June 16 2009. Was this 2009 date within a few months of the birth of your only offspring?

My daughter was born October 26th 2008. I can't think of anything that happened around that time.

Thanks Alinda for the feedback on the dates for these two important life developments, it helps with my learning curves. Solar Arcs have orbs of manifestations months before or after the exact mathematical dates, so obviously, there could be other triggering astrological timing factors for these two major life developments in your life. Solar and Lunar Returns play a big role in Sidereal Astrology but we have to know the general location where the Return Charts set-up. Jim is the expert on Return Charts. Were you living in the Portsmouth area when your daughter was born? And, your location when you and your husband first started seeing each other?

One thing is very obvious---when your Solar Arc ASC was conjuncting your Natal Venus-Jupiter-Saturn, timed the most important events in your life---dating your husband and the birth of your daughter. It appears to me your Natal Saturn is operating well in your life combo with a d. Venus/Jupiter =Saturn, offering a stable relationship/marriage. I find it most interesting you introduced yourself to the forum under the Jupiter-Saturn topic . I note you are within orb of your Solar Arc ASC conjuncting your Natal Pluto which will time another important life development for you, but it will probably take some time before we can see/understand how this Solar Arc ASC to Pluto will manifest in your life. Important Pluto cycles, at times, has been associated with important life “transformations,” so….

I note you have another important Direct Midpoint in your Natal, Uranus/Neptune = MC. Ebertin says about this combo with its tones:

Growth and development of subconscious forces, inner vision, peculiar interest.

For “Sociological Correspondence” tones Ebertin says for Uranus/Neptune:

Mystics, people engaged in psychic research, mediums.

Since astrology investigates one’s psychic, I can see this Direct Midpoint working well in your life and it resonates with your words here :

No one who knows me would call me conventional. People describe me as unique, artistic, or "weird in a good way" is one i get a lot. I do sort of compartmentalize my social circles though.

Ebertin says for the tones of “Psychological Correspondence” for Uranus/Neptune:

The development and growth of subconscious powers or forces, inner vision, inner illumination and enlightenment, inspiration, idealism, an interest in spiritual subjects, mysticism, art.

How long have you been interested in Astrology? Do you work with an astrological computer program?

SteveS wrote: Wed Jun 16, 2021 2:49 am Were you living in the Portsmouth area when your daughter was born? And, your location when you and your husband first started seeing each other?

I was living in Newport News, Va for both events, pretty close to Portsmouth. My daughter was born at 6:48 am

SteveS wrote: Wed Jun 16, 2021 2:49 am when your Solar Arc ASC was conjuncting your Natal Venus-Jupiter-Saturn, timed the most important events in your life

Is there a software / website where you can graphically track the solar arcs, or do you have to keep plugging in dates? I found this website that lets me browse dates, and I see what you mean about the jupiter / saturn - Venus - but is there a better site too look this up?
https://horoscopes.astro-seek.com/solar ... calculator
I'm familiar with astrodienst, but that doesn't appear to be more helpful.

SteveS wrote: Wed Jun 16, 2021 2:49 am Important Pluto cycles, at times, has been associated with important life “transformations,” so….

I'd believe it, ugh... I already have that sense of impending doom.

SteveS wrote: Wed Jun 16, 2021 2:49 am I note you have another important Direct Midpoint in your Natal, Uranus/Neptune = MC. Ebertin says about this combo with its tones:
Growth and development of subconscious forces, inner vision, peculiar interest.

For “Sociological Correspondence” tones Ebertin says for Uranus/Neptune:
Mystics, people engaged in psychic research, mediums.
Since astrology investigates one’s psychic, I can see this Direct Midpoint working well in your life and it resonates with your words here :

This is all pretty relevant to me and my interests since I was young. I have a very eccentric family where psychic phenomena was taken very matter of fact. My mother substituted Joseph Campbell, Carl Jung etc for traditional religious instruction. I have had interests in various mythological / magical / philosophical traditions since a very young age - the struggle for me has usually been to keep myself grounded. however, now things are quite different. I'm pursuing another degree in a completely different field, computer science, and trying to learn advanced mathematics. Most of my focus right now is on making as much money as possible, while maintaining my freedom. I think one of my biggest fears is to be old and poor. I'm sure pluto has something to do that.

SteveS wrote: Wed Jun 16, 2021 2:49 am How long have you been interested in Astrology? Do you work with an astrological computer program?

I had a copy of Linda Goodman's Sun Signs as a child, but as far when I actually learned anything about astrology, that was probably when I was 18 - 19. I befriended an old school hippy guy that ran a local headshop. He was very into astrology, and checked everyone's chart who spend any amount of time in his store. He got me started in understanding the basics of astrology.

As an aside, I am able to date this based on who I was dating when I started hanging out with this friend. When I brought my then boyfriend to the store, my friend looked up his birth data, and informed me that he didn't trust him, and that my boyfriend was incompatible with both him and me... he wasn't wrong lol.

So several year later, I brought my husband (then boyfriend) to the store when we started dating. I clearly remember my friend looking up his birth data, getting the oddest look on his face, and saying "Why are you dating me?" They were born on the same day, had the same moon, and rising sign I think. Anyhow, my husband passed the compatibility test, and was allowed to hang out

But I digress... I've had an interest in astrology for a long time, but I wouldn't say I've ever been particularly "good" at it. There was a period when my daughter was little that I had a strong interest in it. But it tends to come and go in my life. I think I must seek it out in stressful times.

I use astrodienst, which I was introduced to by the above friend. If there is a better free or cheap option for sidereal, please let me know.

Lately, I started following Kenneth Bowser on facebook, and have been rather interested in western sidereal predictive astrology. I think that's how I landed here... But honestly, much of it is over my head, and I'm sure I need to start with some basics somewhere, but I rarely have the time to delve into anything.

alinda wrote: Wed Jun 16, 2021 8:04 am Is there a software / website where you can graphically track the solar arcs, or do you have to keep plugging in dates? I found this website that lets me browse dates, and I see what you mean about the jupiter / saturn - Venus - but is there a better site too look this up?

I don't know of a site, but we can generate this through Solar Fire. The PDF below may help - save it off to your computer then I'll delete it from the thread. It's a 90° graphic ephemeris of your solar arcs across natal planets. (I could drop it to a 45° level but I did this one to capture the bigger aspects.) - I don't have the right software on my computer at work to capture this as a JPG but perhaps this will do.

[DELETED FILE]

Alinda, I am on a short road trip and will get back to you over the weekend.

SteveS - Have a nice trip!

Jim - on the file you gave me, the horizontal lines represent my natal planets, and the diagonal lines represent the solar arc planets. I see the the planetary labels on the right corresponding with the natal planets, and those x-axis corresponding with the solar arc planets, but what do the labels on the left side correspond to?

Also, would it be fair to interpret the solar arc similar to secondary progressions?

alinda wrote: Thu Jun 17, 2021 6:21 am Jim - on the file you gave me, the horizontal lines represent my natal planets, and the diagonal lines represent the solar arc planets. I see the the planetary labels on the right corresponding with the natal planets, and those x-axis corresponding with the solar arc planets, but what do the labels on the left side correspond to?

Also, would it be fair to interpret the solar arc similar to secondary progressions?

I took another look at this - the graphic was a bit screwed up. (The computer I was on at work didn't handle this as well as the one at home.) The icons on the left were all screwed up. I've redone the graphic.

The ones at left are the directed planets which should (and now do) start the same place as the natal ones (since I started at your birth).

Yes, interpret much as secondary progressions (or, one could also say, like transits).

Alinda wrote:

This is all pretty relevant to me and my interests since I was young. I have a very eccentric family where psychic phenomena was taken very matter of fact. My mother substituted Joseph Campbell, Carl Jung etc for traditional religious instruction. I have had interests in various mythological / magical / philosophical traditions since a very young age –

Interesting, I think this indeed fits your d. Uranus/Neptune = MC as a part of your psychological make-up for the family environment you were born into. Thanks for this feedback.
Alinda wrote:

I'm pursuing another degree in a completely different field, computer science, and trying to learn advanced mathematics.

Very interesting! I think this is a big part of a major life development involving your Solar Arc approaching the exact conjunction of your Natal Pluto. Ebertin’s tone for the “Probable Manifestation” for Pluto-Asc combo’s are:

Desire to attain success in life at all costs, making unusual contacts or acquaintances, a readjustment of conditions or circumstances.

Alinda wrote:

Most of my focus right now is on making as much money as possible, while maintaining my freedom. I think one of my biggest fears is to be old and poor. I'm sure pluto has something to do that.

I think you are right with your Solar Arc Asc coming to a long 2 year cycle conjuncting your Natal Pluto so I understand better where you are coming from. Good luck on your new life direction.
Alinda wrote:

There was a period when my daughter was little that I had a strong interest in it. But it tends to come and go in my life. I think I must seek it out in stressful times.

I understand. Are you now under more stress than normal? BTW, have you ever had or done for yourself an astrological comparison for you and your daughter? If not, Jim and Danica are excellent astrologers for comparison charts. If you supply your daughter’s birth info maybe Jim or Danica will highlight this comparison when they have time.
Alinda wrote:

Lately, I started following Kenneth Bowser on facebook, and have been rather interested in western sidereal predictive astrology. I think that's how I landed here... But honestly, much of it is over my head, and I'm sure I need to start with some basics somewhere, but I rarely have the time to delve into anything

.
I clearly understand about not having the time to delve into deeper the studies of your metaphysical interest. But, since you have an interest in Sidereal Astrology’s predictive systems, if you ever find the time, for sure, you would want to study Jim’s book “Interpreting Solar Returns.” Its one of the best teaching books on the best predictive system in all of astrology---Solar Returns---along with Lunar Returns, both very important cornerstones for Sidereal Astrology.
I just looked at your next two Sidereal Lunar Returns and if you are still living in the Newport News area, you have two “Outstanding Incident” Lunar Returns (a rarity) defined by Jim’s teachings. Are you still living in this area? If yes, do you mind if you and I explore these two “outstanding incidents” Lunar Returns? Thanks again for your feedback.

SteveS wrote: Sat Jun 19, 2021 7:37 am Are you now under more stress than normal?

Yes and no. I am pretty spread thin right now. I'm at turning point where I could see things working out well, or going poorly. Additionally, my husband is going to need to find a new job (his company is moving out of town) and that creates a degree of uncertainty that i don't have control of - which i don't deal with well.

SteveS wrote: Sat Jun 19, 2021 7:37 am Desire to attain success in life at all costs, making unusual contacts or acquaintances, a readjustment of conditions or circumstance

That pretty much sums up the present mood

SteveS wrote: Sat Jun 19, 2021 7:37 am BTW, have you ever had or done for yourself an astrological comparison for you and your daughter? If not, Jim and Danica are excellent astrologers for comparison charts.

I've never had anyone other than myself look at our two charts. You guys are welcome to have a look.
She was born October 26, 2008, 6:48 AM, Newport News, VA

SteveS wrote: Sat Jun 19, 2021 7:37 am But, since you have an interest in Sidereal Astrology’s predictive systems, if you ever find the time, for sure, you would want to study Jim’s book “Interpreting Solar Returns.” Its one of the best teaching books on the best predictive system in all of astrology---Solar Returns---along with Lunar Returns, both very important cornerstones for Sidereal Astrology.

I downloaded Jim's book last week when he recommended it in another thread. Started to read it, and remembered I needed to do homework
I will definitely tackle it, but it may take me a bit.

SteveS wrote: Sat Jun 19, 2021 7:37 am I just looked at your next two Sidereal Lunar Returns and if you are still living in the Newport News area, you have two “Outstanding Incident” Lunar Returns (a rarity) defined by Jim’s teachings. Are you still living in this area? If yes, do you mind if you and I explore these two “outstanding incidents” Lunar Returns?

Yes I am still in Newport News, should I leave now? Sounds scary, but I would love to explore it.

Alinda wrote:

I am pretty spread thin right now. I'm at turning point where I could see things working out well, or going poorly. Additionally, my husband is going to need to find a new job (his company is moving out of town) and that creates a degree of uncertainty that i don't have control of - which i don't deal with well.

I clearly understand Alinda. Your husband career situation could involve an "incident" foretold in your June 20 Sidereal Lunar Return (SLR, link below). Note: SLR Saturn very close to SLR ASC, partile 90 SLR Uranus, defining an "outstanding incident" SLR. Ebertin’s “Principle” for Saturn-Uranus combo’s are:

Inhibition, tension.

When did you become aware of your husband’s job situation with his company moving?
Your June 20 SLR:
https://ibb.co/xswXC1M

Alinda, I think I now understand better what you psychologically are having to deal with the symbolism of your astrological cycles, and that is financial situations dealing with an uncertain future. This is all timed by a 2 year cycle of your Solar Arc conjuncting your Natal Pluto, with an astrological clue—Natal Pluto in your 2nd House. 2nd House tones reads like this:

Money, material possessions, movable possessions, one’s attitude toward their possessions, one’s own price tag of self-worth, marketable skills and traits and how much a return one will get, confidence and determination, values, banks, earning power or income, the future.

You see, this Solar Arc ASC to your Natal Pluto has to do with your focus of concerns about being “poor in old age”, but in way this is good because this Pluto cycle is calling on you to make adjustments. What is actually happening: you are experiencing a mid-life crises pertaining to Solar Arc ASC conjuncting your Natal Pluto in the 2nd House of finances, a Pluto Mid-Life Crises. Pluto cycles can be intense, I know because I have being going through health issues with a back injury with transiting Pluto 180 my Natal Mars, but am much better now, and you will be much better off when this Solar Arc ASC-Pluto cycle is over. Allow and expect a couple of years for important readjustments.
Alinda wrote:

I downloaded Jim's book last week when he recommended it in another thread. Started to read it, and remembered I needed to do homework: lol: I will definitely tackle it, but it may take me a bit.

I understand---now is probably not the right time, but when the time is right you will have the author (Jim) to ask questions.
Alinda wrote:

Yes I am still in Newport News, should I leave now? : lol: Sounds scary, but I would love to explore it.

No, don’t leave unless the right job offer happens , nothing to be scared about, but its natural-- we all get scared when contemplating our futures. Next, we will explore your “outstanding incident” July 18 SLR. But understand, all “outstanding incidents” SLR’s manifest within one’s immediate environment depending on the main circumstances setting the stage for our SLR's. Only you truly know the main circumstances happening in your life---we astrologers don’t and have to ask questions pertaining to the symbolism on the charts we see. If you ever get around to learning/understanding how to calculate your Return charts with Jim’s rules/guidelines, it will put you in a unique position for better managements of you and your family’s lives. Sidereal Astrology is a very enlightening language when one understands how to read it---Sidereal Solar and Lunar Returns needs to be taught in all of our Universities. Thanks much for your feedback--it helps me better learn Astrology.

Alinda, Jim writes pertaining to Return Charts:

It is when angularity and aspect partility (1 degree or less) coincide that outstanding incidents are most likely to come about.

Your next July 18th Sidereal Lunar Return has an “outstanding incident” partile Sun-Pluto 180, partile conjunct the SLR’s Horizon (ASC-DSC axis). Donald Bradley from his book “Solar and Lunar Returns” says about Sun-Pluto when angular in a Return Chart:

Sun-Pluto aspects imply turning-points in life, the closing of old cycles and the birth of new. Sun-Pluto is the dramatizer of events.

Let me know with your July 18th SLR if you experience an “outstanding incident” in your life pertaining to Bradley’s above descriptive words for Sun-Pluto. Thanks.

Your July 18th Sidereal Lunar Return (SLR):
https://ibb.co/By1jk6C

SteveS wrote: Sun Jun 20, 2021 6:14 am When did you become aware of your husband’s job situation with his company moving?

Sorry, I missed this question. We found out in December of 2020, a little before Christmas... great timing.

June 20th was pretty uneventful. Whatever is happening now is focused internally

Alinda wrote:

Sorry, I missed this question. We found out in December of 2020, a little before Christmas...

Thanks.
Alinda wrote:

June 20th was pretty uneventful. Whatever is happening now is focused internally.

I understand. June 20 began your June 20 Lunar Return with any symbolic effects lasting until your next July 18th Lunar Return. Let me know if an “outstanding incident” occurs during this June 20 Lunar Return that may cause more “tension” than normal. Thanks.

Alinda, in case you're still checking in - happy birthday!

If you're still in or near Newport News, Jupiter is the closest planet to an angle. This forecasts a very positive year on balance. (Happy birthday, indeed!)

You do have some more strenuous shorter-term aspects (shorter than the year), such as Saturn's current transit to your Moon-Mercury, plus Neptune moving through the square to your Mars-Neptune, but these aren't highlighted in the Solar Return and will get to work themselves out in your life under more auspicious conditions than usual. (Likely your lifelong Mars-Neptune patterns are in focus right now, giving you the chance to work with them more intentionally.)

Last time we 'talked,' your circumstances are in flux: Have the changes settled out since then?

Jim Eshelman wrote: Sun Nov 07, 2021 9:08 am Alinda, in case you're still checking in - happy birthday!

If you're still in or near Newport News, Jupiter is the closest planet to an angle. This forecasts a very positive year on balance. (Happy birthday, indeed!)

Thank you so much for thinking of me on my birthday! Sorry I didn't see this earlier. I do hope you are right, I sure could use a smooth year

You do have some more strenuous shorter-term aspects (shorter than the year), such as Saturn's current transit to your Moon-Mercury, plus Neptune moving through the square to your Mars-Neptune, but these aren't highlighted in the Solar Return and will get to work themselves out in your life under more auspicious conditions than usual. (Likely your lifelong Mars-Neptune patterns are in focus right now, giving you the chance to work with them more intentionally.)

The Saturn/ Neptune transits seem like they might explain being simultaneously both bogged down by a large amount of coursework along with my recent / time wasting fascination with virtual reality?

Last time we 'talked,' your circumstances are in flux: Have the changes settled out since then?

Not so much settled, but i'm in a better state of mind the last couple of weeks. We discussed some aspects in my lunar returns a while back that looked important, but really nothing much happened. It was more like a slow burn into October where I found myself completely overwhelmed with life and seemingly jinxed, in that everything I touched wouldn't resolve... i was just spinning wheels and going nowhere and not sleeping and enjoying nothing.

I went to Seattle in October to for a tango event trying to pull myself out of a rut. I realized that i would arrive there about 2 hours after my October SLR came into effect, and I tried to do an analysis of it, wrote up a long post for you guys to look at, and the post disappeared into the internet ether when I submit That is pretty much how the month went... Anyhow, I think my take on it was something like all the makings were there for a good time, but I would get in the way of that with my mental state. That seems pretty accurate in hindsight.

My birthday was a bit of a low point to be honest, but I'm feeling much better the last couple weeks. I'm trying to slow down and focus with varying degrees of success. I actually thought to look at SSR, but I didn't yet for fear of bad news. Maybe I will now

I don't think the dour present will be the tone of the year overall. - We have a new (free) astrology program that Mikestar13 is developing for calculating Sidereal nativities, returns, and more: viewforum.php?f=60 (in case you want to get a copy). Here is the data output for your SSR (copy the contents off to Notepad if you like).
To guide your eyes around this: Transiting Jupiter (top section) has an F at the end of the line (the only planet that does), to show that it's foreground. There are no foreground aspects (since there is only one foreground planet), but there are four non-foreground exact (within 1°) aspects that are more positive than not.

Here btw is what it generates for your natal chart (which saves a lot of work!).

Thanks! That sounds like a great project. I'll definitely check it out once I make it to the other side of this semester