Using Astrology Consciously - Part 1: Weather Forecast

Summary:

You check the weather report, don’t you? You wouldn’t go outside in a bikini if the forecast was for temperatures in the 20s, and you wouldn’t schedule picnic when a thunderstorm is on the way. Astrology can give you the same type of information about the atmosphere.

Consult it on a daily, weekly or monthly basis for the general outlook. It’ll give a heads-up for people’s moods, including your own, so you won’t be as surprised during those inevitable times when everyone seems to have gone crazy. Other general astrological information that is useful to consider includes:

Moon phases. Farmers have been using the moon phases for centuries, and they can help thoroughly modern you as well. Set goals and intentions, make wishes and launch projects on a new moon (when the moon first enters a sign). Some people like to wait until the crescent moon is visible in the sky; anytime within the first three days is generally good. Look for the culmination and harvest of your efforts when the moon is full, about two weeks later. And when the moon has passed fullness and is growing dark, let things lie.

Moon voids. The moon is void of course for some period of time just before it changes signs. Depending on the factors in the sky, a void can fly by in a few minutes, or it can last for hours. The void begins when the moon makes its last major aspect at the end of a sign, and ends when it enters the next sign. Because the moon moves so quickly around the zodiac, this happens every few days. The best use of a void is to go with the flow and not put much effort into anything. Nothing rarely comes of anything that is launched or pushed forward during a void. Instead, take it easy; brainstorm; enjoy some down time.

Retrogrades. You may have heard of Mercury retrograde, but it’s not the only planet subject to the phenomenon. Every celestial body, except for the sun and the moon, goes retrograde periodically. A retrograde occurs when there is a change in the speed of a planet’s orbit relative to the earth’s and the planet appears to be moving backwards. It’s the same kind of optical illusion that occurs when you zoom past a car and it looks like it’s dropping backwards in your rear view mirror. Retrogrades are times to go back over old matters that are associated with the planet in question — and to avoid starting anything new in the planet’s domain. The main retrogrades to follow involve Mercury (disruptions and delays in communication, travel and machinery) and Venus (affecting relationships and money).

Part 2: Understanding Yourself