Reaching for The Stars

 

Humans have always tried to get an advantage in the game of life. In an effort to get an edge on the game of life, many people turn to astrology, horoscopes to help guide them to success, love, and luck. This is not necessarily a hail Mary. The creation story in the Christian religion says God created the lights in the sky for a reason. And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, Genesis 1:14. Astronomy incorporates the use of planets and if you connect the stars in a certain way, the symbol representing each zodiac sign can be seen for that month. Come on, even our favorite son, President Ronald Reagan, consulted the stars (his wife did and we all know husbands do what their wife tells them to).

Aastrology, the position of Venus in a person's birth chart can indicate their potential for fame and recognition. Venus is the planet that signifies beauty, creativity, and charisma.

Ancient peoples from across the Earth only knew about five of the planets: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. To the people of some ancient civilizations, the planets were thought to be representation of deities, for others they were a means through which gods communicated to humans.

The belief in horoscopes originated in Mesopotamia (c. 3rd millennium bc) and spread to India, but it developed its Western form in Greek civilization during the Hellenistic period. On the basis of their observations and calculations, the Babylonians divided the sky into twelve areas, each of which was assigned a figure, a name, and a specific meaning. This became the zodiac with its twelve zodiac signs such as Aries, Gemini, Virgo, or Leo.Finally, the Babylonian astral scientists created a body of knowledge that enabled them to assign meanings and contexts of meanings based on their calculations of which planets were where in the zodiac at which point in time. 

Astrologers (people who study astrology) believe that celestial objects are linked to human behavior. For example, it is a common belief in astrology that a person's personality traits align with the zodiacal constellation that was in the sky when they were born. Some people might find it appealing because it enhances their sense of egotism and specialness, while others might be drawn to it because they see it as an avenue to spiritual knowledge. Although it is well proven that astrology does not get things right, 27% of Americans and 23% of the French believe in it, while 46% of Mexicans feel that their horoscope is something important in their lives. For Native Americans, astrology has been, and still is to some degree, an integral part of their culture and tradition. 

Modern astrologers see each planet as a reflection of a basic human impulse. Here is a list of the heavenly bodies and how a person's ruling planet in their horoscope affects them.

Sun: I Am

The Sun is the "star" of the astrological planets. It's your "will to be," your personal center, your confidence, and your vitality. The energy of your Sun sign colors every aspect of your life. The Sun rules Leo as well as the fifth astrological house (the house of pleasure and creativity).

Moon: I Feel

The Moon is your need for comfort and security. It governs your emotions and is responsible for their ebb and flow. The Moon is the mother archetype. It's feminine in nature and has a strong influence on your moods The Moon rules Cancer and governs the fourth astrological house (the house of "home, family, heritage, and roots.)

Mercury: I Think

Astrologically, Mercury is a small, but a very busy planet. It represents your need to learn, think and communicate. Mercury sparks curiosity. Mercury rules both Gemini and Virgo and holds sway over the third house (the house of talking and communicating) and sixth house (the house of your mundane life).

Venus: I Love

Venus is your need for harmonious relationships. It's feminine in nature and brings diplomacy to all your interactions with others. Venus encourages you to reflect on what is important in life and strive to find balance. Venus rules the signs of Taurus and Libra and governs the second house (the house of personal possessions) and seventh houses (the house of committed relationships).

Mars: I Act

Mars, named for the Roman god of war, is the planet of survival. Mars is personal and physical. It's about sexuality and your courage. It speaks of how and for what you'd fight. Mars is the ruler of Aries, co-ruler of Scorpio and governs the first house (the house of self) as well as the eighth house ( the house of sexuality, death, and rebirth).

Jupiter: I Grow

Jupiter is the planet that encourages us to expand our horizons! It brings a sense of optimism and increases our chance of good fortune. Jupiter rules the sign of Sagittarius, is co-ruler of Pisces. and governs the ninth house (the house of philosophy and travel) and twelfth house (the house of the house of mysticism and mastery).

Saturn: I Achieve

Saturn provides you with a sense of structure and limitations. It's your sense of restriction, commitment, prestige, maturity, discipline, and order. Where jolly Jupiter urges you to "go for it", Saturn cautions you to act more conservatively. Saturn is your reality check. Saturn rules the sign of Capricorn, is the co-ruler of Aquarius, and governs the tenth house (the house of how you are seen by the greater world) and eleventh house (the house of friends, hopes, and wishes).

Uranus: I Evolve

Uranus is the planet of social reform. It is associated with genius, individuality, unconventional ideas. Uranus encourages you to look at and do thing things in a unique and radical manner. Uranus shares rulership of Aquarius and, along with Saturn, governs the eleventh house.

Neptune: I Dream

Planet Neptune represents everything that that is subtle, intangible, and ethereal. It encourages you to connect with the "oneness of all" and inspires kindness and compassion. Neptune shares rulership of Pisces and the twelfth house (the house of the house of mysticism and mastery).

Pluto: I Empower

Pluto represents your power to endure crises. It's the human ability to transform and rise, like a phoenix, out of the ashes. Pluto shares Scorpio and the eight house (the house of sexuality, death, and rebirth) with Mars.

It is a personal choice and chance to believe in ANY sign when looking for signals to guide life decisions. Soon we will be celebrating St. Patric's Day, March 17th, which nods to Leprchauns and four leaf clovers. We are now in the season of Pisces, where Neptune is said to have influence. Whatever people turn to and use as a too to make life more manageable for them, the bottom line is they still have HOPE.