What Can Astrology Really Say About Relationships?

I see posts all the time on social media advertising astrology apps that claim to know which signs are the most compatible. Some think that certain astrological aspects determine the best match for eternal bliss while others point to doom and gloom.

Aquarius and Cancer equal marriage? Really? What about the Pisces and Leo couple that have been married for 30 years? How did that happen if we believe that combo is destined for breakup?

“How to spot a bad relationship early on.” That one really gets me. Folks , it’s not that simple. Relationships are complex and so is Astrology. We aren’t just our Sun sign. Astrology that tries to label and put people into categories is the kind of Astrology we all should be questioning.

There are so many factors to consider when we think about what makes a good relationship. We aren’t throwing the baby out with the bath water, so when you see these apps or advertisements saying that certain zodiac signs aren’t compatible, that’s not the kind of Astrology I’m talking about when it comes to Relationship Readings.

Relationships aren’t just about compatibility. Couples that have stayed together over many years will tell you it wasn’t always easy. Successful relationships require the ability to communicate and meet each other’s needs. A good Astrologer will be able to point out aspects in your chart that flow harmoniously and also identify areas where you may have to work a little harder and make compromises. Challenging areas don’t always equal breakups. They can be opportunities to grow.

Neither person gets what they want 100% of the time. Relationships are about compromise and meeting in the middle. If you’re looking for ways to improve a relationship, let’s get together and look at the whole picture of what your astrology has to say about you as individuals and together as a couple.

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Introducing Your Ancestors: Piecing Together The Past With Astrology

We can imagine quite a lot about a person’s life through census documents and other bits of information found through genealogy sites and from family history. But what was Aunt Ruth really like? How did she think? What motivated her? What was her personality?

When there’s no one left living who knew your ancestors, how can you really get to know anything about who they were and how they thought?

Astrology has given me quite a bit of insight as to my ancestors’ personalities even when I didn’t have a birth time. In fact, I purposely studied relatives I didn’t know having only a birth date and place of birth. While we can’t gather as much information as we could with a birth time, you can learn quite a bit about their personality through Astrology.

My Maternal Grandmother (far right on the back row), Siblings and Great Grandparents

My mother died when I was 12 and although I had been around her mother, my Grandmother a few times, I didn’t know her well and didn’t know her siblings or my Great Grandparents at all. I’m familiar with the rich insight Astrology provides in learning about tendencies and personality traits so I wondered what I could learn about my family even without a birth time.

I contacted one of my Mother’s cousins who knew all these people. She gave me birthdates and places of birth and agreed to meet with me to confirm or deny my findings.

I learned that many of these women were 1st Quarter Moons with a Choleric Temperament. They were feisty, independent and creative. My mother was a 1st Quarter Moon, also creative and independent with a Choleric Temperament. I could see which relatives she mirrored and where her and her mother differed. I could identify challenges in their personalities as well as similarities.

I had a good laugh when I realized my Grandmother was born under a New Moon and had moved over 50 times during her life! New Moons love new beginnings and this manifested as literal moves for her. New Moons often have an innate sense of direction–able to sense where to go and I do remember that about her. She seemed to always know how to navigate and would use terms as turn West–not left or right.

I could also see all the Virgo energy in her chart and felt she had a strong sense of doing things perfectly. I described her as analytical, paying attention to details, abilities for research and order.

The real tests of Astrology’s strengths came in studying the charts of the relatives I didn’t know at all. I trusted the Astrology and it didn’t let me down as confirmed by my mother’s cousin.

What I really love is getting a sense of their personalities and seeing how my mother’s and even my own personality mirrored some of our ancestor’s traits. I also found it interesting to look at our differences and how it might have been helpful if my relatives could have had this information as a means to understand each other and integrate their differences.

I’ll never forget my Mother, out of nowhere, looking me in the eye when I was in grade school and telling me how important it was to treat everyone the same no matter their background. At the time, I remember thinking, “Why are you telling me this? I already know this.” I smiled years later when I discovered that we both have the same Moons! Our Moons are in Libra–thus our inherent sense of equality and fairness for all and her need to tell me this.

That’s just some of the treasures you’ll find when you start looking at your relative’s personality through Astrology. You begin to notice patterns, start connecting the dots and discover little surprises and insights from the Universe.

One of Astrology’s greatest gifts is validation of who we are and gaining understanding of other people’s personalities. When I study the charts of my relatives I feel compassion for things they might have gone through and have a deeper understanding of the choices they made. Astrology confirms that we’re all doing the best we can with what we know.

The Spring Equinox–A perfect time to set goals.

 Let’s take a moment to talk about vision boards, goal setting and what that has to do with astrology.  If you created a vision board at the beginning of the year or set goals and intentions of things you wanted to achieve in 2021, how is that going for you?  Congratulations if you’re still doing the work and chipping away at those goals you set in January.

For those that do create vision boards or set New Year Resolutions, we typically do this at the beginning of each calendar year. It’s not something we would start in the middle of March or April so why am I bringing this up now?  Well, it’s not something you would start at this time of the year unless you have the astrological New Year in mind and that’s just what I’m suggesting.  Astrologically speaking, the new year starts with the Sun’s Ingress into Aries each year. That just means the time of year around the Spring Equinox, when the Sun moves into the zodiacal sign of Aries. When you think about Spring, it’s during this time of year when things come alive.  The grass and trees start greening up and we begin to plant seeds. We plant gardens and farmers start planting their fields. We feel a little extra spring in our step and feel motivated to take action.

 Aries is an archetype of action that feels bold, courageous and determined.  Aries wants to start something. As a cardinal sign, Aries likes to initiate. The Sun is also exalted or lifted up in Aries, so you may feel you have the resources or potential to find your inner strength. Aries is also a fire sign. Visualize fire and picture the smoke ascending upwards. There’s a sense of reaching up, striving and being motivated to do better. When you think about it, this time of year makes a lot of sense in setting intentions and goals.

I have to say, I’ve  never been much on vision boards. I’ve tried them here and there in the past and really had no luck at all with them. However, last year I decided to create one  at the beginning of the astrological New Year and found that I achieved nearly everything that I had intended and included on that board. 

What I do

When the Sun moves into Aries on (March 20, 2021, I’ll start thinking about what I want to achieve and tailor it to the area of my natal chart that has been activated since my most recent birthday. If you’re coming up on a birthday in the next few months, look ahead to that date. I start thinking about themes and collecting photos that I want to use for my vision board. If you don’t have magazines, start collecting images from the internet saved to a folder to be printed later. I also consider the characteristics of the planet highlighted for me this year and incorporate those colors into my board. If that planet also rules another area of my chart I’ll consider those topics as well.

I also meditate on the Sabian symbol of the Moon. This Moon’s symbol is, “A woman in pastel colors carrying a heavy and valuable but veiled load.” I picture a pregnant woman with this symbolism and the idea of bringing something to life–creating something new. Pregnant with possibility. Creating something of value.

Within 8 hours of the New Moon in Aries which is April 11, 2021 at 9:31 PM CST, I’ll start cutting out my pictures and creating my vision board. Once completed, I like to take a picture of it and create screen savers on my phone and computer as a daily reminder of my goals. 

Making The Most Of Your Saturn Return in 2021: The First Leg of The Journey

So, we’re about a month in since Saturn moved into Aquarius. How’s it going so far? It’s still early as Saturn will camp out in this part of your chart until early March, 2023, but I wanted to point out the added boost from Jupiter we all have during 2021, regardless to whether or not you’re experiencing a Saturn Return this year, but especially to those who are.

As a refresher, you’re experiencing your 1st Saturn Return if you were born between February 7, 1991 and January 29, 1994. If you were born between January 4, 1962 and December 16, 1964, you’re entering your 2nd Saturn Return. To read more about what this period of life means, you may want to read this article about Saturn Returns before continuing.

2021 is unique in that Jupiter also tags along with Saturn for the first year of this journey. This is great! Jupiter is one of the benefic planets and brings opportunity. Jupiter kind of helps ease us into this cycle and tempers the transition. So while some lessons can be tough like growing pains, Jupiter comes along and helps mitigate the situation.

Take advantage of this year while Jupiter is in Aquarius and get a jump start on this area of your chart. Let’s go through each house and see how Jupiter might help. Before we get started, a little bit about these planets and their background.

Saturn has been called the Great Teacher and can be like the school principal at times. He likes to keep us in line and make sure we’re following the rules. Sometimes it can feel oppressive or even depressive, but it’s ultimately for our benefit and that’s how we get to be so good at something. Saturn shows us our limits but he also shows us that we’re capable of much more than we think.

Saturn has often been depicted as the party pooper, that guy who says, “no you can’t do that,” or the consequences we receive for breaking the law. Discipline and commitment are words that often describe Saturn. The great thing about Saturn though is the payoff. There’s always a payoff with Saturn if you do the work, stay committed and go the distance.

Jupiter might seem like the polar opposite. Jupiter has been compared to the Great Santa Claus in the sky! Abundance, expansion, wisdom and joy have all been words to describe this great benefic. Where Saturn is “less is more,” Jupiter is “more is more.” Generosity and benevolence have always been associated with this planet, so the house it occupies in your chart is a place where you can experience the blessings of this archetype.

Now, what about that Great Conjunction we just had between these two planets on the Solstice in December, 2020? What a way to kickoff your Saturn Return! You may have heard this formation of Saturn and Jupiter coming together compared to the Star of Bethlehem. This is a big deal as these planets rarely meet up together, let alone so close as they did at 0 degrees Aquarius. Even rarer, is the fact that this year, they met up in an Air sign. This is a huge changing of the guard. Jupiter and Saturn together at a critical degree of 0 in a new element is the start of something big and while we won’t be around to see how it unfolds at the end of this 200 year cycle, we’re witnessing the beginning of something new and we play a part in shaping it. What might that mean for us personally during our Saturn Return and how can we make the most of it?

This Saturn Return may be a little more potent in that there’s a real possibility of creating something new with long lasting benefits. Think about how this might unfold in your own life and the Aquarius part of your chart. Jupiter isn’t always present with Saturn during these returns and if you happen to have a Day Chart, this added goodness may be even more noticeable.

SATURN AND JUPITER THROUGH THE HOUSES in 2021

1st House

If these planets are traveling through your first house, Saturn might affect your health. Maybe you experience a health issue that sets you back temporarily or limits you in some way. Jupiter comes along and brings in a helping hand. Maybe you get over this health issue fairly quick or find treatment that allows you to recover quicker. It could be that this is the year you decide to change your appearance or take your health more serious. Jupiter can help makle that happen.

2nd House

Saturn and Jupiter traveling through this part of your chart may require you to make some changes with how you spend money or with your income. If Saturn limits, Jupiter might bring in other ways to supplement your income or bring long term benefits regarding finances. You may have to cut back, but the reward will be worth it in the long run.

3rd House

Saturn in this area of the chart might limit or restrict travel, bring issues with siblings or extended family but look for a positive outcome. If you haven’t seen eye to eye or felt cut off from a family member, this might be the year where you patch things up. Communications that may have been difficult have the potential of being less challenging. Jupiter brings wisdom, so maybe both parties see things differently now.

4th House

This area of the chart could bring changes in your home or family. It might not be an ideal time to move, but maybe you finally find that dream home at a great price that you just can’t pass up. Home renovations are never fun. We’re temporarily challenged to live off site or in another area of the house while they are going on, but oh was it worth it! Difficulties or challenges with family members might wind up bringing blessings in disguise. Maybe a child needs to move back in or you bring an elderly parent to live with you. While adjustments need to be made within the home, blessings also come with any hardships.

5th House

Having children can be a lot of work but you can’t put a price on the blessings they bring. It could be that children might experience some challenges this year or feel tested in some way but come out on the other side better and wiser than before. This is also the area of pleasure and creativity. What limits access to fun or blocks creativity might bring joy or creative inspiration where we hadn’t found it before.

6th House

Health or work challenges have a silver lining. Maybe you come across an alternative modality that helps manage a health issue or find a new treatment. What feels heavy or oppressive in a work environment may finally yield to a payoff such as a promotion or new office with a better view. This area also has to do with pets. A pet could have health issues requiring additional care, but also blessings that bring restored health. The challenges you face with the added responsibility of having a pet pays off in the joy and companionship you receive.

7th

Challenges within a relationship bring you closer together and make the relationship stronger. Maybe you partner with someone this year that ends up benefiting your business. You might even find a mentor or counselor that offers a lot of wisdom or knowledge regarding your business or current relationship.

8th

This area of the chart refers to mortality and other people’s money such as joint finances, debt, taxes and inheritances. It could be that you receive an inheritance or find the means to reduce debt or pay off debt. You might take on debt that ultimately brings a payoff in the long run such as expanding your business or going back to school.

9th

This might be the start of a spiritual journey that requires long term commitment but pays off in bringing inner peace and serenity. You may explore other belief systems that are foreign to the belief system you grew up with. This area is also higher education, so going back to school may enhance or expand your career options.

10th

This could bring a promotion but also added responsibility and challenges. Your life direction may change in a way that brings much more fulfillment but less money.

11th

Your friendships or groups you identify with might start feeling oppressive or not ring true for you anymore. Maybe you decide to explore new groups of people that are more aligned with your beliefs and discover new life long friends. Long term benefits may come through groups or friends.

12th

This part of the chart has often been associated with isolation, suffering or spending time alone and reflecting. If faced with feeling cut off or isolated this year, use this time to expand your knowledge, learn something new or help others. This could be a good time to focus on your mental and physical health and get to the tap root of negative behavior or thought processes that have been holding you back.

These are just a few ideas for the area of your chart that Saturn and Jupiter are occupying in 2021 and are by no means all inclusive. The point is to make the most of this year, especially if you’re experiencing your Saturn Return. There’s a lot of emphasis on rebooting this part of your life. The Great Conjunction speaks to moving into something completely new and Saturn with Jupiter is a great opportunity to bring a new vision into reality–manifest a dream and make long lasting change.

Eddie Van Halen ~ New Moon Aquarian Vibes.

January 26, 1955 – October 6, 2020.

Images courtesy of Larry Marano, (top left) Owen Sweeney, (top right) and Ebet Roberts (bottom).

Music can bring you right back to certain periods of your life and for me, Van Halen takes me back to High School.

When I heard of Eddie Van Halen’s passing yesterday, as an Astrologer, I naturally wanted to look at his natal chart to get a glimpse of the energy that propelled his life.

A stellium of planets in the 5th House in Aquarius caught my eye. A stellium is three or more planets placed in one area of the natal chart. The archetype Aquarius is described as unconventional, unique, rebellious, and independent to name a few key words. Additionally, the 5th House is related to creativity, self-expression, fun and good fortune. A lot of his energy was definitely focused on creativity, out of the box thinking, and self-expression through music. This part of his chart was literally lit up with both lights, the Sun and Moon, placed here and the world definitely noticed his innovative musical genius and talent.

Eddie was born under the New Moon phase. In general, people born under this phase tend to express as pioneering in nature–the visionary that embodies much creative potential and tends to function best when given the freedom to act on hunches and explore. These are all characteristics found throughout his musical career as he led the way in inventing many techniques that are industry standard today.

An interview with Denise Quan, published in 2017 is an exceptional example of the Aquarian and New Moon energy in Eddie’s chart. Quan picks up on his inventive personality that “pushes the limits.”

In the interview, Eddie mentions that he didn’t take formal guitar lessons explaining, “No, instead of reading a book, I wrote my own.” As the interview progresses, you begin to notice his sense of going his own way, doing his own thing–so typical of New Moon/Aquarian energy. Eddie mentions that if he had learned to read music or hadn’t learned guitar on his own, he never would have played the way he did. He adds, ” because of the things I created technique wise, they had to re-invent a whole new way to write music called tablature using symbols and numbers.”

Quan points out that when the self titled album “Van Halen” came out in 1978, we were hearing sounds from Eddie’s guitar that no one had ever heard before. Eddie explained that a lot of those sounds were from years of experimentation, taking apart guitars and amplifiers, and getting electrocuted in the process. “What drives me to tear things apart is part necessity and some of it is experimenting because I’m always pushing things past where they are supposed to be.” Again, you really see the archetype of Aquarius here–that idea of pushing past boundaries, experimenting, inventing and even being electrocuted brings in electricity which is associated with Aquarius.

Throughout the interview, you get a feel for just how unique Eddie Van Halen was–crossing Fender and Gibson guitars to make one that did the things he wanted it to do, “potting pickups” and changing the voltage in the amp to control the sound. Quan describes him as having a “mad scientist brain” but Eddie describes some of the information as “given to me from somewhere else.” Again, the idea of information coming in from the higher mind is very Aquarian.

Quan’s interview is a fascinating example of just how prominent the Aquarian and New Moon archetypes fueled his life purpose. Strong recurring themes come through in this interview such as pushing past the boundaries, experimenting, progressive creative thinking and inventing,

Eddie admits trying to fit in early on in his career when the band was trying to get work saying, “I tried to make the songs sound like top 40 so we could get the club gigs, but for the life of me, I couldn’t. All I could do was me.”

We’re glad you did it your way Eddie Van Halen.