Astrology in every day life

Natal chart or birth chart is cast for the moment of our birth. Most people know their zodiac sign. When we say something like “my zodiac sign is Leo” that actually means this: if we were, at the time of our birth, to draw a line from the place of our birth trough the Sun and continue that line, it would fall into the stellar constellation of Leo.
At the time of our birth the Sun was in Leo. Pretty much the same thing is done with every other planet and the astrological houses and aspects are determined. There are actually no lines drawn; it is all determined mathematically from the sidereal time (found in ephemerides (a table of values that gives the positions of astronomical objects in the sky at a given time))
Luckily now days we have plenty of software that does that for us. Downside of this aid: I asked an astrologer (who was actually quite expensive) if she knew where to buy ephemerides, since I only had them up to the year 2000, it turned out she didn’t know what ephemerides were
Anyways, birth charts are a subject of so called genethliacal astrology.
Horary astrology: a particular event is examined based on the time and place the question related to this even had been asked.
Astrometeorology: examining and predicting the weather, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions etc. based on planetary movement.
Mundane astrology: astrology of nations and countries, including political and economical events.
Synasrty: examining charts cast for two or more people to determine how good they function together, where are their strengths and weaknesses as a couple or a team etc. Surely you have stumbled across astrological love charts, but it is also done for friendship, family or business relationships.
Progressed horoscope is calculated for a specific time after the natal chart (it is also derived from the natal chart). It can be calculated and interpreted for any time in ones life, ones natal chart being the key to the interpretation.

Daily movement of planets & Zodiac

Each planet is said to be the ruler of one (or more) zodiac sign. The original system was introduced by Ptolemy and was changed several times.
Exaltation: a sign (degree) of Zodiac in which the planet is said to exert its most powerful influence.
Fall: a sign (or degree) of Zodiac opposite to the sign (degree) of planets exaltation. When the planet is in its fall it expresses its characteristics with difficulty.

* before the discovery of Pluto, Mars was also the ruler of Scorpio;
** before the discovery of Neptune, Jupiter was also the ruler of Pisces;
*** before the discovery of Uranus, Saturn was also the ruler of Aquarius;

The effects of the Moon

Even with a little knowledge of astrology you can gain some glimpse of what the future holds for you by following the movement of the moon. The moon is one of the most important factors : it changes its position quickly (the moon travels the ecliptic like every other planet and it moves about 13° per day, which means it stays 2 or 3 days in the same zodiac sign), it is the closest body to earth and has the strongest effect upon us.
The moon stands for feelings, emotions, intuition, sub-consciousness and memories, it describes our emotional nature; its position affects us on a sub-conscious level and it affects our moods. The movement of the moon trough the zodiac signs can be interpreted regardless of ones birth chart. Knowing moons position and learning what kind of effect it has upon you can give you some advantage and help you to better use the moons energy.

Read more about Moon Phases

Moon in Aries

When the moon travels trough Aries, regardless where the moon in your birth chart is, it fills you with energy and hunger for adventures. You will be able to see opportunities you would have normally missed; this is a good day for new beginnings. There is more excitement on the emotional level, more emotional reactions, we are all more edgy and impulsive. Filled with all this impulsiveness and energy it is always better you think twice before running into a wall that might turn out to be too thick.

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Moon in Taurus

The moon is exalted in Taurus - its effect is strong, our perception of things is very strong
When the moon enters Taurus it first feels like coming into a safe shelter after going trough turbulent times of Aries. You will find your emotions more stable and feel inner peace. You may feel the need for your family, financial and emotional affairs to be more organized. You will take more free time and enjoy all the beauties of life (nature, music, art, good food, …), but do not exaggerate. On the other hand is this a good day for work; it is easy to concentrate on work that requires a lot of skill and patience.

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Moon in Gemini

You might find yourself restless and have difficulties to concentrate. There will be a need for change, the need to move forward on emotional, spiritual or physical level, or a simple change of atmosphere. It may be a totally busy day filled with multitasking, communication playing an important role. You will feel the need for company and good conversations, enjoying your free time. It is the time to broaden your horizon, your mind will be clear and open.

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Moon in Cancer

The moon is the natural ruler of Cancer - its effect is strong
Our main concern is home, family, and people who are close to us. There can be some nostalgia and romance. You intuition will be stronger and you will find yourself paying closer attention to others. We are more sensitive and our moods are unsteady, changeable etc. it is better to sleep things trough; the world might be a much prettier place tomorrow.
Solitude, peace and quiet may save the day.

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Moon in Leo

We are freer with our emotions and show them in a more dramatic way. The day is filled with romance but at the same time we feel totally self-sufficient. We need to be the center of all happenings, to be admired and praised by the others. You will find yourself seeking company and approval. This is an active day, filled with positive energy. You will be more self-confident and will bursting with power and energy. Try not to waste too much money.

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Moon in Virgo

On days like this we are often filled with worries for the future and totally preoccupied. You will feel the need for security and to reorganize stuff in a systematical way. It will be difficult to relax; make sure that that realistic view does not turn into pessimism, try not to see the worst case scenario. This is a good day for work; the memory and concentration are good , you are precise and critical in your work. Try to avoid too much self-criticism.

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Moon in Libra

The seriousness of the Virgo is replaces by Libra’s ease. Today is all about fun, a pleasant atmosphere and having loads of people around you. You are relaxed, free minded and friendly. It all revolves about harmony and balance. Today is a good day for team work.

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Moon in Scorpio

Your feelings are more intense and you need more time for yourself, to examine the depths of your soul. You might find yourself thinking about past, trying to fix old wounds. On the other hand you will be more determined and strong willed , trying to resolve every mystery no matter what. Everything is more intense and filled with strong energy that can also lead into conflicts and emotional breakouts.

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Moon in Sagittarius

This is a good day, filled with joy and positive energy. We are optimistic and enthusiastic. It is a day for deep conversations , filled with humor, for broadening our horizons and making new friends. You will feel adventurous and in need of freedom and independence, prepared to take risks you wouldn’t take otherwise (but it is still better to think twice!). You will be filled with strong, active energy and lot of new ideas (which may turn out to be impossible), with self-confidence and courage. In all that frankness, try to avoid awkward situations or even hurting someone.

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Moon in Capricorn

This is the time to step aside, to be more serious, reserved and even conventional. Your reactions to others will not only be cold but you will also feel restricted and worried about the impression you leave behind. You will find yourself being extremely cautious and will try to keep the upper hand in every situation. This is a stable time where entertainment has no place; it is a good time for work and a good opportunity to finish all the annoying and unpleasant things you have been laying off for weeks. Try not to fall into some negative thinking and pessimism.

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Moon in Aquarius

When the moon moves trough Aquarius you will find yourself somehow indifferent, not reacting emotionally in situations where you usually would. You will be open-minded and will find yourself drawn to everything that is unconventional and exotic. You will be filled with new ideas and interested in progress and new challenges. This is a day for activity, your mind will be swift and unburdened; it is a good day for studying and for teamwork. You’ll need good and interesting company. Be prepared for unexpected turns.

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Moon in Pisces

On times like this we can be filled with doubt and emotional fear. This is a time to turn inward, to learn more about the depths of your own soul, to better understand yourself and others. The moon will strengthen your emotional side, your intuition and empathy. Be careful not to mistaken the problems and feeling of others for your own. It is important that you don’t hide your emotions. This moon can bring up mood swings or even depressions. You may find it hard to focus or to follow your own thoughts; just relax and most important, find some quality time on your own. You will be more creative and filled with new ideas and inspiration.

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Phases of the Moon

Moon always played a big role in human life. We can find at least as many lunar deities as solar deities throughout history. Every mythology knew rituals that were performed at a full or a dark moon. Something mystical was and still is connected with the moon. Surely you have heard a bodyguard at a night club whining about more drunks causing more trouble on a full moon night, or a nurse telling about more babies being born.
More births, accidents, crimes etc. on a full moon night appears to be a “common knowledge”, even though I was unable to find any statistics that would verify this “fact”. On contrary, statistics speaks against it ; days with moon phases seem to be just as ordinary as any other day. On the other hand, many scientists give moon a big credit. Its gravitational pull is said to affect volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, etc.
Donna and Stephen O’Meara use the moon to predict volcanic eruptions; they claim that the biggest eruptions occur when the moon is directly overhead. The geologist James Berkland believes that the moon can trigger earthquakes; in his predictions he gives a special credit to the new moon. If you want to learn more about their work and the moon in general, watch Moon Mysteries, a Naked Science episode from National Geographic.

But there is some “magic” connected with the moon anyway. Instead of being for example under the bad influence of a dark moon, one should pay more attention to how moon influences an individual and learn how to best use this influence and energy, learn how to gain and profit from it.

New Moon (Dark Moon)

The moon and the sun are in the same zodiac sign; their energy is combined. This is a good day for new beginnings, new projects and directions; it is the time to move forward and to finish the things we have been postponing. However, the intensified energy can work both ways: it can make us burst with energy and expectations, totally restless and always in search for good time and entertainment, whereas on the other hand it can provoke anger and mood-swings or even depression.

First Quarter

The aspect between the moon and the sun is a square and their energies clash upon another. One must keep a clear goal and use this energy to be creative and to move forward and achieve the goals set; it is time for action and growth.

Full Moon

The moon and the sun are in the opposite zodiac signs (e.g. if the sun is in Capricorn, the full moon will be in Cancer). This creates a lot of tension and people are easier irritated. We usually have a better insight or a feeling of fulfillment and completion, but it is still best to avoid conflicts.

Last Quarter

The moon cycle is coming to an end so it is convenient to end all the unfinished business. There is again a square between the moon and the sun so we must be prepared for some complications or challenges. In days to come we can either sit back and relax, enjoying the seeds of our work, or look for better solutions and ways to improve our plans.

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Solar and lunar eclipse

An eclipse occurs when the sun, the earth and the moon are aligned on a straight line.
The lunar eclipse occurs only at a full moon night, when the earth throws a shadow on the moon. The solar eclipse occurs at the time of the dark moon (conjunction between the sun and the moon).

Days with eclipses are somehow regarded as something special in the world of esoteric. But from astrological point of view, no eclipse alone can trigger some event unless other parts of the charts were indicating it.
The eclipses are viewed just as more or less^* perfect conjunction (dark moon - solar eclipse) or opposition (full moon - lunar eclipse) of the sun and the moon and are interpreted as such.

_{*sometimes we can witness a total or perfect eclipse and sometimes there is only a percentage of the moon/sun covered with a shadow}

Solar Eclipse

Lunar Eclipse

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The effects of the Mercury

Mercury is the planet closest to our sun and is the second smallest in our solar system (the smallest if we go with the flow and consider that Pluto lost his status as a planet). It is one of the “fast” planets (along with Mars and Venus) and needs approximately 88 day to travel around the Sun. Mercury moves 1 to 2º per day and needs approximately a year to travel all 12 Zodiac signs. It can remain in a particular sign for 2 weeks and up to 2 months.
Retrograde Mercury
Three times per year Mercury will slow down and will seem to move backward. When retro gradation ceases the planet will appear to stand still (this point is called direct station) and then it will begin to move into direct motion along the Zodiacal belt. This apparent backward motion is called retrograde.
Mercury moves retrograde for 20 to 24 days. During this time the communication is difficult and the atmosphere appears heavy. It is not a time for important steps, we tend to loose things and are often caught up with negative and pessimistic thinking patterns. People with retrograde Mercury in their birth chart seem to be an exception. On the other hand this is a perfect time to take on postponed tasks and unfinished business. It is time to settle old scores and follow obligations we have neglected.

Back to the Mercury in general. It is the planet of communication, education, intellect and common sense. It describes the way our mind works, what interests we have and what catches our attention. It affects our logic, concentration while studying, desire to broaden out horizons, our communication skills and the ability to adapt.
Following Mercury’s movement can help us understand our reactions to the outside world. It helps us to see whether it is a good day to travel, to call meetings or to make business deals. It can indicate whether it’s a good time to make decisions that involve bigger amounts of money. Mercury’s inconvenient position can also cause tensions and conflicts or even provoke fights.
But if you have for example an exam coming up, you can’t really wait for a month for Mercury to finally move. You can’t postpone an important lecture just because Mercury could make your audience less open to your great idea. However, the trick is, by knowing where Mercury stands it is easier to overcome obstacles. It will help you to understand for example why you lack concentration and will show you the details that require more attention.

Mercury in Aries

In this period our mind is sharper, we are more alert, ready to fight. Everything appears more intense and faster. Our mind is innovative and swift; we are more enthusiastic and ready to improvise if needed. Days like this are filled with humor and multitasking. On the other hand we are oversensitive and easily irritated. Patience is not really among our virtues; we make fast decisions (that can turn out to be bad) and quick judgments (better think twice before speaking out, even the truth can hurt!).
The need to achieve out goals is incredibly high, thus we use all the means available, even brutal force. It is difficult to concentrate on a single task; we are easily bored and might give up too quick.

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Mercury in Taurus

The mind processes seem to be somehow slowed down; no decision is ever rushed but rather made with great care. Every action is thorough and rethink before taken, it seems like all our words and actions are deliberate. We are unwilling to adapt and prefer to remain in known and comfortable environment. We are not very open for new ideas and insist on our point of view, even if it is wrong. We might find memorizing and studying difficult; rereading the basics or finding practical examples will be of great help. Our visualization skills are stronger and we enjoy art and beauty.

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Mercury in Gemini

Gemini is the home of Mercury and the planets properties are more visible, emphasized. Days like this are filled with intelligent conversations and our rhetoric skills are better. We are more critical and easily decide for likes and dislikes. Our reactions are quicker and we are more alert and aware of our surroundings; things might even get too stressful, so we might start seeking solitude. It is an active time perfect for multitasking, but also brings dualities, negligence, restlessness, fast judgments, ignorance and lack of concentration (we are easily bored).

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Mercury in Cancer

In general we perceive everything more intimate, our thoughts are always colored with emotions and our feelings add to every decision we make. We are reserved in communication, withdrawn, often retiring into thoughts about past and people we love. It is a good time to solve conflicts with family and friends, but we must be prepared for emotional outbreaks. We are more sensitive and good listeners. Our memory is good, but when undertaking difficult tasks we must take great care to achieve and sustain emotional balance. These days are filled with creative power.

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Mercury in Leo

Mercury is in its Fall so its influence is somewhat imprisoned. We take less interest to the outer world, everything is about us and about how others perceive us. This makes it difficult to comprehend everything that is actually happening in our surrounding. We easily miss what is right at hand, our opinions are fixed, and we are not critical or accurate and tend to overlook the details. Our emotions touch every single decision. We need more attention and seek bigger companies; but not getting enough attention can easily turn into enthusiastic dramatic conflict. We are more passionate, enthusiastic and creative.

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Mercury in Virgo

Mercury in this position is very exact and critical, even towards our self which often results in low self esteem. On general we feel the tendency to sort and organize everything; our mind needs an explanation for every event. We are systematic, precise and organized; it is a good time to conduct monotone and boring errands. We have good organization skills and this is a good time for planning and meeting in general. Our mind is clear and swift, analytical, methodical and impartial. On the other hand we are not really going with the flow and find it difficult to surrender and to enjoy the moment. Our environment must be orderly and we are very observing of details.

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Mercury in Libra

We are more calm, peace-loving, tolerant, patient and considerate to others. Generally we are in a good mood and seek good company, but on the other hand we tend to neglect our responsibilities. This is time of compromises, but you must keep in your mind that once can not always satisfy all the parties. Our mind works in abstract and objective way, but also tends to postpone important things. It can also easily happen that we end up totally unable to decide anything, since mercury in Libra always tries to find all the pros of the other thing as well.

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Mercury in Scorpio

Our mind is sharp and distrustful, always trying to come to the bottom of everything (this makes it difficult to draw the line between what is relevant to the subject we are occupied with and what is already a totally different story). Our intuition is strong and we are very observing and sharp, always coming to conclusions faster than the others. We judge quickly and for some reason we want to be referee and want control over every situation. People might react to this in a negative way.

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Mercury in Sagittarius

In these days we are very optimistic and always looking for new interesting things, meeting new people, joining groups. We have to be everywhere and know everything. On the other hand there are nervousness, impatience and lack of concentration due to all the multitasking we want. Because our focus is on the “big important things” we easily overlook simple and practical solutions. Our mind is restless and not very good with details; we also lack patience. Another important thing is freedom.

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Mercury in Capricorn

Our views are very realistic and critical, we are more direct, practical and determined. We like diplomacy but try to avoid sideways false excuses and needless decorations. Our methodical and practical mind can distinguish what is important. Our interests are pointed towards more serious issues; this is a good time for bigger discussions (but be careful not to neglect an important detail), but then again not to drown in to much info.

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Mercury in Aquarius

Mercury is in exaltation and its positive properties are easily shown. Our mind is opened, dynamic. We are good with abstract thinking and have a strong intuition. It is time for multitasking and organizing. We often seek good company and make new friends. Our senses are keen, we are very alert and we have a realistic approach to life. In general we are very balanced and are guided by our moral beliefs when making decisions.

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Mercury in Pisces

Our mind is more chaotic, we get confused easily and have difficulties to concentrate. Our thoughts are filled with emotions and illusions, but then again we have strong intuition and vivid imagination. Our reactions are fast (but often emotion driven) but we are not very objective; we add a personal note to everything. Every conversation we engage is gentle and pleasing, but can also be very indirect and far from reality. We may even catch ourselves in pessimism and melancholy.

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