What about Jesus? Computing His birth chart

By Romy Solina 

According to John Stott in his book The Incomparable Christ, "Since Jesus was a human being, however, he was also a historical figure, who lived at a particular time in a particular place and within a particular culture. These particularities were all part of his historical reality. To deny them would be to reject some essential aspects of his destiny."

Thus, I am going to write about my researches regarding the humanness of Jesus and not deal with theology. I am to restrict myself to being an amateur astrologer and consider Jesus as a human person who is also subjected to planetary influences.

In astrology, the most basic and important data to work on are the date, time and place of birth of the subject.

In the case of Jesus, I can only depend on what the Bible gave as information regarding His life. Everybody knows He was born in Bethlehem. But as to the date and time, I shall have to depend on some historical tidbits that are related to His existence.

For instance, according to history Herod the Great died at the end of March or early April in 4 BCE after the lunar eclipse on March 13. Since he was the one who commanded the massacre of boys aged two and below in Bethlehem, according to the Bible (history has no mention of it), then Jesus must have been born earlier than 4 BCE.

Tradition also says that certain wise men or astrologers or magi (no mention of their number) interpreted the appearance of a star as to signal the birth of a King in Judea.

Some say the Star may have been a nova, but novae are supposed to be noticed even during the day, so how can Herod the Great still ask when the Star appeared. I can't remember where I got the information that the Star of Bethlehem is actually the conjunction of the planets Jupiter (symbol of the King) and Saturn (sign of the Jews - thus we have Saturday as the Sabbath) in the constellation of Pisces.

Clues
Thus, I now have clues on what date to look for as the birthday of Jesus, the Man - namely, the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction, and the reign or end of Herod the Great.

Due to the planetary orbits of the bodies around the Sun, as seen from the Earth, there were three conjunctions of Jupiter and Saturn in the year 7 BCE.

On May 29 Jupiter conjoined Saturn in its direct motion. However, by retrograding or moving backwards, it joined Saturn again on September 29. Then in the final direct motion of Jupiter, the conjunction occurred on December 5.

(By the way, as viewed from the Sun, there will only be one Jupiter-Saturn conjunction since all planets in the system travel in only one direction. This occurred at 12:40 p.m., Bethlehem time, on September 1, 7 BCE (18 Pi 16'11"). I was tempted to accept this date, but then the birth was not on the Sun but on the Earth.)

Which date?
Which of these dates was interpreted by the Magi as the birth of the King of Judea? Most likely, the May 29 date because the Star seemed to disappear (or the planets separated) after that. And possibly that was when the Magi began to travel to Judea to pay homage, and the last date, December 5, was the "second" time they saw the conjunction as they reached Bethlehem. This was after they had met Herod the Great and the scribes of Jerusalem told them that Bethlehem is the promised place of birth.

I am placed in a quandary. The promised King of the Jews was supposed to be born during the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction in 7 BCE, but what date?

I am also reminded that John the Baptist must also have been born about five months earlier within the same year since he is related to Jesus, their mothers being cousins (Luke 1:36). In those times there were some who thought John the Baptist to be the promised Messiah

I computed the horoscopes for the three Jupiter-Saturn conjunctions and their respective day-for-a year Progressions. The progressions gave me pictures of how the life of the Jesus proceeded - the busy years and the difficulties experienced. I also researched on the possible date of the Crucifixion and computed the planetary transits affecting Jesus during that fateful day.

Comparing the results of the three Jupiter-Saturn conjunctions related to the Crucifixion day transits helped me in deciding on the appropriate date of birth.

At this point I shall not belabor the reader, but immediately present my conclusions.

Conclusions
Jesus the Son of Man was born during the last Jupiter-Saturn conjunction, on December 5, 7 BCE.

He got lost in the Temple in 5 CE at the age of 12 and baptized in 23 CE at the age of 30 (Luke 2:41-51).

I shall also conclude that the Crucifixion occurred on 3 April 33 CE at the onset of a lunar eclipse during the Passover, so He must have been crucified at the age of 40.

I computed the horoscope of Jesus the Man and its day-for-a year Progressions from 18 CE up to 33 CE below:

Having presented my version of the birth date of Jesus, I am not insisting any change in the calendar. I still accept December 25 as Christmas. The date is already etched in history and in the psyche of humanity. I submit.

Introduction to Financial Astrology

By PinoyGTrader (pinoygtrader.blogspot.com)

Astrology would never be more exciting and  give as much enthusiasm  to anyone especially when there’s money involved. There is a branch of astrology called FINANCIAL ASTROLOGY. It is the use of astronomical data to explain and forecast the behavior of the financial markets (as defined below). 

As one of the countless few who  was first a skeptic and later became drawn to these new science, especially if you are already involved in the study of astrology or already a practicing astrologer.  As an engineer by profession and a trader, in back testing  results and running statistical analysis, and in my pursuit on finding the most consistent trading system or the holy grail of trading – astrological trading methodology aided with modern technical analysis and market geometry as by far on my experience one of the best and reliable system that can give me consistent results statistically if done properly.

But don’t just take my word for it,  I urged any astute student of astrology or any beginner  who has the heart  and conviction to learn in this field to discover, study, test and find new ways to make astrology works for you. I am not an expert like the famous Gann, Bayer, Bradley, Bost, Lavoie and many others who made substantial contribution in this field, but just to show you what potential it can bring to your life, please check some research and excepts I research  below.

Background
Astrologers since time immemorial have been aware of the fact that planetary movements, positions and relationships, in some peculiar way influence the collective as well as the individual mind.  They have always known the important astronomical phenomena are responded to both by groups and single persons. 

Perhaps the reaction is entirely individual, and that the mass response is the product of all individual reactions, multiplied by the number of individuals concerned with a common objective.  In market matters, this is the product of millions of personal responses.  How and in what manner the celestial stimulus us responded to is a matter for the scientist to decide.

Theories about this are endless, although I might as well mention a  few of the most striking, logical ones.  It is believed by some that astrological influences play directly on the endocrines system of the body, the ductless glands bearing the brunt of the impact and reacting according to the quality of the influence.  This is the rational theory, for science is certain that human behavior is closely allied to the endocrine glands.

Others advance the proposition that the acid- alkaline balance in the blood varies, so that the temperament is correlated with the continuous variation.  Known medically as the " PH curve", a graph of the relative degrees of acidity and alkalinity in the bloodstream of a patient appears to show also the patients changing moods.

When the curve is low, the individual is depressed and disgruntled.  A high curve correlates, generally speaking, with periods of cheerfulness and ambition.  That the key, or part of it to the mystery of personal and collective psychology lies in variation of blood constituents, is an extremely interesting possibility. 

Maybe the very delicate nervous system of an individual, and groups of individuals simultaneously responds to planetary influence.  negative influences could disturb the nervous equilibrium with repercussions in the thoughts and actions.  Positive influences could sooth the disposition so that the person might rely more on forethought and maintain a more optimistic outlook.

Numerous adherents to astrology have noticed the sedative effect of favorable planetary aspects and the disturbing impulse whetting action of adverse vibrations.

Also , most  recently it has been  scientifically proven that the body chemical named melatonin affects human behavior. Melatonin is a powerful hormone that is secreted by the human brain. The diversity of its application is astonishing, with potential uses including the treatment of obesity, Alzheimer's, epilepsy and cancer. Experiments show that melatonin can reduce body weight and fat levels in animals by increasing the metabolic rate. It does this by generating heat in the body through chemical reactions according to Professor Reiter of the UT Health Science Center, “melatonin likely functions in every cell with which it comes in contact”.

Melatonin is  found to produced during winter time. Shorter days and an increase in cloud cover see a reduction in daylight, and less distinction between night and day. Treatment for seasonal affective disorder involves providing melatonin doses that regulate levels to their expected amount for the time of day.

Given the effectiveness of this treatment, it is clear that melatonin levels vary substantially and predictably for all normal individuals during the year; this findings may find astrologers  interesting to have a correlation with the sun sign of the individual and their  corresponding lunar cycle on any day of the month.

But above and beyond theories about why and wherefore of extra terrestrial influences lies the fact that these forces are a very real and that mass actions and reactions to them reflect consistently, even though hectically, in those departments of our economic set-up most vulnerable to public emotions.

The stock market, the volatility of which is like a mirror of the psychology/sentiments of the masses which  is dependent to a great extent on the moods of its speculating patrons, which  is the sounding board of prevailing attitudes that affect buying and selling activity that dictates the market movement.

What is Financial Astrology ?

Astrology is the use of astronomical data to explain and forecasts things happening on the earth. Astrology also explains by using astronomical data why people on this planet are so different in their personalities, characters, goals, aspirations and choices, even if they are astrologically made by the same components - the planets and the stars surrounding earth.

Financial Astrology is the use of astronomical data to explain and forecast the behavior of the financial markets. There are different branches of financial astrology dependent on the methods (uses of the astronomical data) that a financial astrologer is using. The financial astrology methods that the Rosecast forecast service is employing are deeply rooted in the sciences of astronomy, geometry and mathematics.

Methodology 

I. Reading the natal chart – one of the most basic and common method in financial astrology, this method took in consideration the natal chart of the stock’s incorporation date or first listing date.  This is also the best method in choosing bullish / bearing stocks depending on their natal chart.

II. Bradley Sideograph method – a method formulated by Donald Bradley in the 1940’s. he graded the pairs of planet conjunctions in terms of valence ( +/-) effect and calculate the average declination of each  planets and plotted in a sideograph. This method gives weight to the equivalent of  each individual planet pair.

III. ( Undisclosed method) – a method formulated by Sergey Tarassov  and Alphee Lavoie in 1987( AIR Software)  that uses advance mathematical algorithm, statistical analysis with backtesting , cycle analysis and uses curve fitting method. This method gives more emphasis on the use of every degree of the zodiac variable orb  and transiting aspects to transiting aspects using the same variable orb.

What is the Bradley Siderograph?

That is an astrological model of forecasting the stock market, developed by Donald Bradley in his book "Stock Market Prediction", which was first published in 1940's. Bradley would classify the most common astrological aspects into bullish ones and bearish ones. The ones he considered bullish he would assign a positive number, the bearish ones a negative number.

He would also weigh those aspects according to whether they are exact, applying or separating. He would then calculate all numbers into a mathematical formula, do this for every day and the outcome is the Siderograph.

The Siderograph has proved valuable in identifying turning points. It has proved to be of limited value as a barometer to forecast overall stock market direction.

Why is the Siderograph successful in finding turning points ? 
If there are many astrological aspects exact during a certain period as measured by a high or low in the Bradley formula than the stock market or any market by that matter has a higher chance of making a turn, simply because there is more energy present to cause that turn.

Why is the Siderograph unsuccessful in forecasting stock market direction ?

Bradley assumes that there are some aspects that are bullish and others that are bearish. While it is true that SOME soft aspects to Jupiter are bullish and SOME hard aspects to Saturn are bearish, for the majority of aspects it cannot be classified A PRIORI (Latin: in advance) whether they are bullish or bearish.

Why? Because most astrological aspects (an aspect is any mathematical relation of two planets) will transform there bullish or bearish nature according to the aspects they receive from the other planets in the horoscope. Thus dependent on the position of the other planets in a horoscope - a given astrological aspect will sometimes be bullish and sometimes be bearish for a particular market.

What influence has the Moon on the markets ?

The Moon is one of the eleven planets in astrology and because it is moving quicker than any other planet has an important effect on day-trading and short term swing trading. The Moon will emphasize - by means of making aspects to the other planets - the astrological themes of any given day.

What books do you recommend to learn financial astrology ?
There are numerous sources in the internet, and some you can buy online.

If you are a complete newcomer to astrology and you want to get an overview about what financial astrology is and how it is used to time the markets , you can email me at pinoygtrader@gmail.com for a list of reference materials.

The Three Fates and our Heroes

By Resti H. Santiago

Andres Bonifacio

The concept of fate was not very popular in the 20th century because the previous century's mantra was all about freedom. This may partly explain why astrology has to be reformulated. But denying fate would not eliminate it from our lives.

If we are to believe Plato's "Myth of Er," fate is actually an agreement or arrangement that we had with God, sealed by the Fates, prior to one's incarnation. Denying that there is no binding agreement does not free us from what has actually been agreed upon.

It is for this reason that I want to emphasize that despite 20th century thought, fate still exists. But that does not mean there is no free will. A more realistic approach that astrology can show is that there is fate, and there is free will. The reason why astrologers can make predictions is because there is fate. The reason why astrologers can err in their interpretation is because there is free will.

Clotho, from where the word cloth came from  
is the "spinner," who spun the thread of life.

Astrology plays a special role in the process of knowing and dealing with our fate, because that is precisely the realm of astrology. Knowing what is fated can offer us a certain degree of freedom. Knowing that we have to work on something with someone - puts  us in the right direction. Knowing that there is order in the universe assures us that wisdom and happiness are achievable.

To demonstrate that there is fate, I would show through the lives of our heroes how the three daughters of fate work. First is Clotho, who spins the thread of life. With Clotho, the kind of life experiences that will "clothe" one's incarnation is decided. It must be noted that the spindle of necessity, upon which the thread of life is spun, is connected with the motion of the planets. Hence, whichever planet is highlighted is equivalent to the kind of life chosen for us. Consider these astrological facts:

Manuel L. Quezon's most dignified planet is Mercury, the planet of communication. He was known to be a great orator and is considered to be the "Ama ng Wika."

Andres Bonifacio’s most dignified planet is Mars, the planet of war, conflict and violence. Bonifacio initiated the armed movement for national liberation and his life was filled with conflict, betrayal and violence. He was killed by fellow Filipinos fighting for freedom.

Lachesis is the "allotter" or drawer of lots,
she measures the thread of life
allotted to each person.

Next is Lachesis who measures all that Clotho has spun, whether it is the length of one's life or the length of one's relationship or projects. Again this is tied to the motion of the planets, because specific areas of our horoscope chart are activated, favored or hindered in relation to the motion of the planets.

When Bonifacio formed the KKK, Saturn was in Virgo, in a harmonious relationship with his Mars and Jupiter in Scorpio. Mars is the rebel and stands for the use of arms. He was successful in organizing the people in a secret society.

When the “1896 Revolution” broke out, Saturn was conjunct his Jupiter and Mars, limiting his luck (Jupiter) and military capabilities (Mars).

When he was killed in 1897, Saturn was conjunct his North Node.

By looking at how his life followed the influence of Saturn, we can see how our actions are limited or  hindered by the planets. The motion of the planets is fixed, we can calculate, just as what Lachesis is supposed to have done, when good luck will begin and when it will end.

The last of the Fates is Atropos, who cuts what needs to have an ending. Atropos is death, putting an end to one's life, association, luck or bad luck. This means that there is time for everything and that major opportunities do not knock twice. At the allotted time, we can see the signature of the planets signifying either opportunities or beginnings (Jupiter/Venus) challenges or endings (Saturn/Mars).

Atropos is the "inevitable",
who the cuts the thread of life.

On December 30, 1896, the date that Jose Rizal was killed by firing squad, the malefic planets were active in his chart. The Moon in Scorpio was moving towards Saturn in Scorpio, the ancient planet of death. Saturn, being the planet of restriction and hardships has been hovering over his sect Light (Moon in Scorpio) for more than 2 years already, while he was still an exile in Dapitan. Mars, the other malefic planet was in Gemini hitting Rizal’s  Sun (the other Light) located in Gemini. We see here the two malefic planets - assaulting the Lights in the chart of Rizal. The Lights symbolize the source of one’s light and life. Even Jupiter, the lucky planet, is opposing his Ascendant sign or body.

Modern man may have drank too much from the “river of forgetfulness.”  We have forgotten fate and it is astrology’s role in the collective human experience to show that fate exists whether we know it or not.


From Medieval Astro-clock 2013

Comet ISON and the Basi Revolt Comet

By Resti H. Santiago (astro-medieval.blogspot.com)

 The Great Comet of 1807 depicted
in this painting by Esteban Villanueva

2013 is going to be a special year as the earth will be visited by a comet, it is named ISON.

Astronomers have calculated that this object will become visible by November.

According to their analysis, ISON will shine brighter than the full moon.

Comets are important in astrology but due to its rarity, we cannot make very precise predictions using comets alone. There are many details that will only become clear once the comet is already blazing in the sky.

The shape and the color of the comets are categorized to correspond with the planets. The basic principle is that if the comet is like the benefic planets, there will be abundance, but if the shape and color is associated with the malefic planets, there will war, pestilence or the likes.

Skeptics might think that this is superstition, but we have historical records that show clear connection between the dire effects associated with comets. However, it should be pointed out that this is not simple associations. The specific details that describe a comet will likewise differentiate its effects from the other details.

The Greeks have studied the comets and Plutarch (c. 46 – 120 AD), a historian, noted that before the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta, a great comet appeared in the sky. This is not a singular case and in the Philippines, we also have an important historical record of a comet appearing when there was a revolt and that this presaged death.

The Basi Revolt in Ilocos took place on September 16, 1807 to protest the government's ban on the private production of basi (sugarcane wine). This detail is interesting in light of the issues that surrounded the sin tax law. Saturn was in Scorpio during that period, in the same location where it is now. Astrologer Peter Stockinger noted that ISON will traverse Scorpio and Sagittarius.

Scouring historical records I came upon astronomical observations related to this comet. According to William Dunbar there was an occultation of Mars during this period. Mars and Scorpio were thus highlighted in 1807, hence there was much death and beheadings.

According to William Ramesey a 17th century English astrologer and compiler of old books, comets appearing in Scorpio “signifies abundance of war and rebellion to kings ... pain in the testicles and bladder." Comets appearing in Sagittarius “denotes decay of nobility, and a suppression of great and noble men, wife, prudent and learned...scribes or lawyers; moreover captivity of princes, war and such like.”

Where exactly it appears will be also spell big difference. Till the details are available, we can only look at comets in a general way. But if we will combine this factor with other factors, we can get a picture that the period after the appearance of this comet will become volatile and hot.  This may indicate increasing temperature, which the scientists are already predicting. Conflict in the world is getting worst each year and we see more Mars influence on the Philippines by 2014. These are interesting times indeed, we have to be prepared.

Thanks to National Museum and Ilocos Gov. Singson for making the paintings of Esteban Villanueva (1797-1878) available to the public.

From Medieval Astro-clock 2013

The astrology behind super typhoon Yolanda's aftermath

By Resti H. Santiago (astro-medieval.blogspot.com)

Just like the weatherman, one of the astrologer's functions is to give timely warnings. This was indeed the case in the medieval times. Slowly, as ancient books of astrology are being resurrected through translation, the tools and techniques of the old masters are being understood and applied in the 21st century. Perhaps the best example of this is in the prediction of typhoons.

In this period of climate change, the astrological view of the natural world holds true more than ever, especially if you live in a country like the Philippines, which is the first destination of most weather disturbances that originate from the vast Pacific Ocean. The author has correctly predicted the date when Yolanda/Haiyan would be formed and the range of dates wherein it could be felt.

With more testing, astro-meteorological predictions can be seen as being reliable and consistent. See http://astrologyphilippines.blogspot.com/2013/09/astro-meteorology-on-radio.html for a review of astro-meteorological forecasts for 2013.

Astro-meteorological forecasts come from the analyses of ingress, lunation and eclipse charts. But in predicting the effects of disasters on the populace, national charts can be useful. There are two national charts that are used to study the Philippines: one is based on the country's independence from Spain, and the other is based on the country's independence from USA. The latter chart proves to fit well with the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda.

If we would just look at the influences on this chart, there is actually no balancing force. The planets, every transiting planet, speak in unison-tension and destruction. Transiting or current influences on this chart speak of challenges and difficulty. Every transiting planet forms tense aspect with the Philippines' natal planets.

Like that of a time bomb, this period was time chosen when "it" would explode. It's like a disaster that was meant to happen. It was only a matter of time-and what a timing it was. Neptune, in modern astrology, is the planet of dissolution. When it opposes the 1st house or the Ascendant, it brings chaos of some sort; in this case, of law and order in the affected areas. Some victims resorted to looting as they searched for food and basic necessities.

Uranus, the planet of change, is opposing the 2nd house planets. The second house is the area of money in the astrological chart. This means instability in financial or economic matters. Uranus is in the 8th house of death, unpredictably increasing the number of casualties.

As of this writing, about 4,000 have been confirmed dead, but by the approximate of some agencies, the number could reach up to 10,000. Pluto, the planet of transformation, is opposing natal Sun in Cancer. The Sun in the national chart covers the leaders of the country. The opposition says that they would be overwhelmed by the enormity of Pluto's destructive force. Pluto is after all considered as the god of death and the underworld. Even the benign planets, Venus and Moon, were used by Pluto to unleash its destructive power.

When Yolanda came, these three planets were in the cold sign of Capricorn. Capricorn and Cancer oppose each other. Jupiter, the benefic planet, was in an unhealthy square aspect with natal Jupiter in the 2nd house of money, increasing, not luck, but expenses, hindering economic growth. The conjunction of Mercury, Sun, and Saturn, which were recently empowered by the eclipse in November, formed a square or tense aspect to the stellium of the three planets in the 12th house. This indicates the increase of effects that are related to the 12th house, namely suffering, sickness and loss.

Mars, which is the strongest planet on this chart, is on the Ascendant (the nation) closely conjunct natal Mars and natal Moon (the people). Using medieval astrological techniques, Mars is actually the "Lord of the Year" from July 2013 to July 2014. Mars along with Saturn (and Pluto in modern astrology) are the planets of death and destruction.

The wisdom that we can get here is the certainty of divine intelligence. The timing was very precise and the astrological details reveal an order. It couldn't have any other effect other than a destruction of this magnitude that we have just experienced. Yolanda was the most destructive natural phenomenon in recent history. The damage to agriculture, private and public property, and the loss of lives and livelihood are enormous.

The mayor of Davao City doubted the presence of God when the tragedy struck Tacloban, Samar, Leyte and other areas in Central Visayas, and non-believers had a field day. Unfortunately, many are also losing faith. The astrology behind this event implies purpose, a divine purpose, but what it is, is beyond astrology.

Astrologers can only speculate. But there is another way of looking at the astrological chart. The chart is like a map-a road map with a built-in timing mechanism. Right now, the forces of death and destruction are stronger.

The Lord of the Year is Mars, considered to be one of the malefic planets in medieval astrology. But the cycles of the heavens will continue to turn: what has been up will come down and what has been at the bottom will surely rise again.

Just like the phoenix, which Pluto symbolizes, we will rise again, perhaps stronger and more determined. By the middle of 2014, the reign of Mars will end and Venus will take over, and Jupiter (by mundane fardarat) will be helping in the reconstruction of the country and the healing of our psyche.

Sun-Sign Ruler of Some Philippine Cities and Towns

By Dr. Roman Uy

Bacolod City  - Libra

Baguio City - Virgo

Batangas City - Cancer

Cabanatuan City - Aquarius

Caloocan City -Aquarius

Davao City -Pisces

Dipolog City- Cancer

General Santos City -Virgo
Manila - Cancer

Makati -Gemini

Pasay City -Leo
Quezon City -Leo

Tagaytay City- Cancer

From "Aquarian Times, April - June 1982." 
Republished with permission from the publisher, Melanie Talag.

Encounters with Uranus, the Planet of Technology

By Lilly Alcantara

The Uranus glyph
looks like an antenna.

Sometimes it is good to take a break from reading about the knowledge of other astrologers and invent one's own. After all, all throughout the ages it was how astrology blossomed and branched out. 

As this author had kept repeating to herself over the years she had studied the art of astrology - astrology is an intuitive study. It takes a degree of imagination and thinking out of the box to uncover its secrets. 

Usually the systematic way works, but testing one's own theories can help one test how well one has grasped the concept. The Universe has blessed the author with a 00 degree Aries Mercury, the symbol of new beginnings. This author would be wasting it if she did not invent a few new concepts of her own.

Take for example the relatively new planet Uranus (in terms of discovery). Named after the husband of Gaia, Mother Earth, who gave birth to the Titans, astrologers have had no idea about its existence in the centuries before the time it had been discovered, and instead based their astrological charts only up to the planet Saturn. 

However, the theory of this writer is that this has always been fated so. There seems to truly be a consciousness manipulating the happenings in the Universe, perhaps also the singular cause of astrology itself. One may call this God if he wished.

Uranus was discovered on March 13, 1781 by Sir William Herschel, but had been sighted as early as 1690. The discovery is coincidental with the boon in the discoveries of the science behind electricity. The words "electric" and "electricity" first made their debut in print in 1646. In 1752, Benjamin Franklin performed his famous kite experiment. 

After the year 1781, the progress in studies about electricity became almost exponential, with Galvani's works in 1791, Volta's in 1800, Oersted's and Ampere's in 1819-1820, and so on with other scientists. Its name Uranus was not finalized until 1850, and is the only planet with a name based on Greek mythology instead of Roman. 

To an astrologer, it would have been expected, given Uranus' rebellious energies. With the first Uranus return since its discovery (about 80-84 years after it was discovered), James Clerk Maxwell linked electricity to magnetism in 1862. 

With the second Uranus return in 1950, the transistor was invented, another milestone in the history of electronics, paving the way to semiconductor diodes, integrated circuits, and other devices with which we power our gadgets today. 

The next Uranus return would be in around the 2030's. Because it would be happening in the Aquarian age of electricity, it would probably be something incredible.

The author's conclusion was that the secrets of electricity had been hidden from mankind over the centuries preceding, just like the planet Uranus. And now that the planet is acknowledged, so has the science.

In a personal chart, what Uranus touches by transit or progression, it usually jolts or "electrifies." The unexpected may happen, and there can be a great surge of energy waiting to be unleashed. When Uranus went into conjunction with this author's Aries Mercury-Moon conjunction a few years ago, her emotions and ideas went into a new plane. Her study of astrology deepened and she discovered many new ideas. Her feelings became unstable and she went into public outbursts when the urge arose.

Even in the Philippines, Uranus' effects are noticeable. Early this year, the Board of Electronics Engineering of the Philippines made a rather strange announcement - the board exams set for October 19 and 20 were to be postponed indefinitely. 

There have been previous postponements of the licensure exams but only for a few weeks, and never indefinitely. Curious, this author pulled out the chart of that day, and lo and behold, coincidentally Uranus went retrograde that day, July 22, 2013. 

Perhaps it was a symbol of how the progress of electronics (at least in the Philippines) was delayed by keeping new electronics engineers from getting their licenses. Because of this, this author theorized that the board exams would most likely take place during the time Uranus went direct once again, on December 14, it turned out. 

About a month after the announcement, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) did in fact announce that the re-scheduled date for the board exams would be on December 13 and 14 for electronics engineers, to the joy of this author, who would be taking them.

At the present, there are three planets retrograde in the sky: Mercury, Neptune, and Uranus. With Mercury and Uranus both retrograde, one can expect their electronic gadgets malfunctioning in one way or another. This author's internet connection and cellphone have become erratic over the past week or so. Or perhaps the PRC had some astrologers on their pay list. One cannot know for certain.

8 Tips for Dealing With The Mercury Retrograde

By Walter Ang

Mercury glyph.
The R with a line through its right leg
is the symbol for retrograde.

Mercury will be retrograde from Oct. 20 to Nov. 9 (or Oct. 21 to Nov. 10), depending on which side of Earth you are.

In astrology, when a planet is in retrograde, it seems (from our vantage point here on Earth) that it’s going backwards in its path in the sky. When this happens, its “powers” are “reduced” or “introverted.”

Inspired by the Greek myths were Mercury (the deity) is the messenger of the gods, Mercury (the planet) rules communications and transportation. So whenever it is in retrograde, you get static in the air where “people don’t say what they mean and they don’t mean what they say.”

It’s important to note that they (and you) will not be doing it deliberately, it’s just that we’re all affected by the retrograde. But don’t panic. It’s not all bad news. There are certain activities that do well under this kind of energy. Here are 8 tips on how to deal with Mercury retrogrades.

Don't sign contracts
The usual advice is to not start any new projects or sign any contracts because the energies of those new projects or signed contracts will be “trapped” in the “backwards” energies of the retrograde.

You may have to keep going back to these projects to renegotiate, rediscuss, rework, replan them before they really lift off.

But, of course, life must go on. So if you really do need to sign a contract, take the time to go through it thoroughly not just twice, but maybe four or five times.

Don't go on a first date
Can you imagine hitting it off with someone new and later finding out you both weren’t communicating clearly with each other? You would have become interested in each other based on information that wasn’t accurate.

But, again, life goes on. After all, who wants to turn down a date? Take it easy, take it slow, take it with a grain of salt. If you think the other person’s interesting, whether this first date goes well or not, agree to a second date after the Mercury retrograde.

Haters gonna hate
People from your past have a higher chance of reappearing in your lives during a Mercury retrograde. This means friends and family as well as frenemies and enemies.

Reunions held during Mercury retrograde usually go well. Otherwise, if you run into an old enemy, take it as an opportunity that the universe is giving you a chance to finally make up (or not).

To read the rest of the article, click here: http://8list.ph/mercury-retrograde-tips/

Earthquakes in 2013

By Resti H. Santiago (astro-medieval.blogspot.com)

I am not fond on predicting earthquakes because not much preparation can be done compare with typhoons.

We can see typhoons form and develop and what we do beforehand can somehow determine how much we will be affected by it. 

That cannot be said about earthquakes. But I have been getting more corrects hits. Last year, I was able to predict two earthquakes.  

However, let it be clear that what astrologers are predicting are not the usual 3-4 magnitude earthquakes.

 

Astrologers' predictions on earthquake range from magnitude 5 to higher magnitudes.

  Forecast review: From Medieval astro-clock 2012/October: 

Mild earthquake in October:

☑News: Magnitude 5.8 quake strikes of Sarangani  

Forecast review: From Medieval astro-clock 2012/ February: 

Mars in the 4th house .. can indicate destruction of crops.

☑News:Magnitude 6.7 earthquake hit Negros Oriental on Feb 6, 2012

At the seminar “Astrology and Feng Shui Guide 2012” which I gave on January 2012, I re-interpreted this  [February 2012 forecast] factor as an indicator of an earthquake. When I combined this with flying star Feng shui, I was even able to pinpoint that the central part of the Philippines as the possible location for a natural calamity. The earthquake in February struck the central Visayas.  In the years to come I will be doing more intensive research on earthquakes. 

2013 Forecast

Forecasts for October 2013
from Medieval Astro-clock 2013

Strong earthquakes are likely on the following months March, June, August, October, November.

But as with everything that I have written about, let us approach it in a systematic and objective manner. We have seen that correlations exist between earthquakes and the planets. Let’s explore more details and take this forecast on earthquake as an experiment for now as we don’t want people to panic.

There are two categories for this:  One set is due to Mars on - June, October, November. The other set is due to Saturn - on March and August. Let us observe 2013 to see the effect and whether there is a difference in their intensity.

For earthquakes, lunations such as the New Moon, Full Moon, Quarter Moon, oftentimes act as trigger to these factors. The studies of another astrologer Richard Nolle revealed that Supermoons (a term that he coined in 1979 to describe full moons when the Moon is very close to earth) can also be a major activator of earthquakes. In 2013, the Supermoons will be on May 25, June 23, and July 22. Two of these Supermoons is close to our earthquake factors.

From Medieval Astro-clock 2013.

Update/Review: 

☑ October 15, 2013 || 7.2 magnitude earthquake hits Bohol || Mars factor

☑ August 18, 2013 || 5.3 magnitude earthquake hits Mindanao || Saturn factor

☑ June 1, 2013 || 5.7 magnitude earthquake hits Cotobato || Mars factor

Pluto in Capricorn and Uranus in Aries : Big Brother vs Anonymous (Part 2)

By Jamal Ashley Abbas

Read PART 1.

Capricornian strong government

Capricorn represents the Earth, Governments, Big Business, Money, the Elites, Responsibility, Authoritarianism, Rules and Tight Control.

The Americans now have a very Strong Presidency courtesy of the Patriot Act as well as other laws that impinge on individual privacy such as the one, approved by US Supreme Court in 2006, requiring US companies to keep track of their employees’ email, instant messages and other electronic documents.

And through the economic crisis in 2008, the Federal Reserve has taken over the banking, insurance and mortgage industries while making millions of Americans homeless in the process.

The American government may have forgotten that the last time Pluto was in Capricorn, restrictive laws – the 1764 Sugar Act, Quartering Act and Stamp Act of 1765,  Tea Act of 1773, and the five so-called Intolerable Acts of 1774 -- led to the American War of Independence.

The Americans are now up in arms against Gun Control laws and laws restricting use of cyberspace.

Cyber Big Brother

In this era of the Internet, governments will exert all efforts to control cyberspace. The US pushed for Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the PROTECT IP Act (PIPA) to have firm government control over the Internet. Fortunately, the American people stood up and fought against it.

In the Philippines, the netizens stopped the government from implementing the Anti-Cyber Crime Law or RA 10175.

Uranus, the ruler of revolutions, also rules the Internet and computers. And Uranus is now in Aries, which is ruled by Mars, the god of War.

The zodiac sign Aries, the Ram

Uranus in Aries

After 84 years, Uranus entered Aries in May to Aug 2010, returned in March 2011 and will stay there until 2018/19. And it is in a “bad” aspect (square) with Pluto.

The end of 2010 saw the start of the so-called Arab Spring where revolutions in the Arab world caused the downfall of long-time strongmen in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya; long drawn out civil wars in Yemen and Syria; and, revolutionary stirrings in Bahrain.

In all these Arab revolutions, the US has been firmly behind the revolutionaries (except in Bahrain). Most of the world applauded the US and Europe for helping the Arab people.

But the world started realizing that not everything is as black-and-white as represented by the world’s media. Egypt’s first democratically elected President was overthrown by the military, allegedly taking its cue from the people. And the US supports this coup d’etat.

The US and Europe’s support for the Syrian opposition is questioned by many since the Syrian opposition includes the al-Qaeda, allegedly, America’s number one enemy.

Although US President Barack Obama was elected on a No-More-War campaign, he is now vehemently campaigning for an invasion of Syria even though America is still embroiled in Afghanistan and has not thoroughly withdrawn from Iraq.

But Obama had to stop in his tracks as he found himself without reliable allies England and Germany. Both refused to support Obama’s attack on Syria.

And Putin’s Russia has taken the role of “champion for Peace” and will not take an American attack on Syria sitting down. China is Russia’s ally in the United Nations Security Council, which refused to allow an attack on Syria.

While Uranus encourages (Arab) revolutions, a deadly war involving nuclear powers – USA and Russia, with England, France and China – is threatening the world at large. Pluto rules over nuclear bombs.

When Uranus (Revolution) is in Aries (War), and it squares (antagonistic to) Pluto (Death and Destruction) in Capricorn (Overly Ambitious Big Business / Big Governments), we can expect only the worse.

What to expect?

Pluto rules earthquakes and nuclear power. Nuclear power plants are owned by Big Business. When Uranus re-entered Aries in March 2011, the earthquake-generated tsunami devastated parts of Japan and destroyed the Fukushima power plant. The nuclear fallout of the Fukushima disaster continues as contaminated groundwater flows into the Pacific Ocean. According to the latest reports, contaminated water has already reached Hawaii.

With Pluto in Capricorn, the governments will continue to amass as much power as they can at the expense of their citizens.  These governments will push for strict gun control laws, stricter laws in the name of Security and control of cyberspace.   The elites of the lands will amass more money and power and the gap between the rich and the poor will further widen.

In this epoch, surveillance cameras, ID cards, wire-tapping, DNA monitoring and racial profiling will be the order of the day for the world’s inhabitants. The rich and powerful will try to have a tight rein on the world’s poor.

But the people will wake up, as many have already waken up. Uranus in Aries makes sure of that. Uranus in Aries is the “Awakener”.

The Pluto in Capricorn (Big Business/Big Government) will meet its match in Uranus in Aries (revolutionary change, an awakened militant populace).              

The last two times Pluto was in Capricorn, the Philippines was invaded – by Spain in 1521 and by England in 1762. But the foreigners did not / could not stay long. Perhaps this time, it would be China’s turn because of the dispute over the Spratlys.

During the last two visits of Pluto in Capricorn, great events happened in Moroland. The first time, the Maguindanao Sultanate was founded and in the next, the Sulu Sultan was returned to Sulu from his cell in Intramuros, Manila where he was held hostage for some 15 years. In exchange for the release of the Sultan, Sulu lost some territories to the British but got some of them back shortly after.

Perhaps for the Bangsa Moro, Uranus will rekindle the revolutionary fires of the 1970s. It looks like this time, a Bangsa Moro state is in the offing.

Pluto in Capricorn destroys and establishes dynasties or empires. It destroyed the Aztec empire. And with the Age of Colonization, it gave rise to the European empires, especially the British Empire.

It replaced the Abbasid dynasty with the Ottoman dynasty / empire ca. 1517 and when it came back, the Ottoman lost a lot of territories during the Russo-Turk War in 1768 to 1774.

And in 1776, with Pluto in Capricorn, the American Empire was born -- a big blow to its colonizer, the British Empire.

And yes, America is facing its Pluto Return. And America, which is essentially a plutocracy, is in danger. The plutocrats could very well face their downfall courtesy of the American people. The USA’s natal moon, which represents the people, is in Aquarius. And with the ruler of Aquarius in Aries, the Aquarian people may just wake up and move collectively, just like they did in 1776.

Could it be that this time around, with Pluto in Capricorn and Uranus in Aries, we will witness the American Empire’s fall?

Ultimately, it is up to the collective consciousness of the humans living today to decide what the Pluto in Capricorn / Uranus in Aries epoch will usher in. It could lead to a nuclear world war that will bring in Death and Destruction or it could herald a New Age of universal change for the better. One thing for sure: Pluto in Capricorn squaring Uranus in Aries can only indicate very interesting and dynamic times.  

Jamal Ashley Abbas together with Henry and Hans Palacios introduced the computerized astrological chart to the Filipino public in 1991. Throughout the 1990s, the NATAL ASTROLOGY kiosk at SM megamall generated tens of thousands of natal charts as well as transits, progressions and synastry charts thus leading people away from the too-general Sun- sign horoscope readings. Mr. Abbas does astrological readings, focused on karmic and spiritual aspects.

Pluto in Capricorn and Uranus in Aries: Big Brother vs Anonymous (Part1)

By Jamal Ashley Abbas 

Remember, remember!  The fifth of November,   the Gunpowder treason and plot;  I know of no reason why the Gunpowder treason should ever be forgot! -  English Folk Verse (c.1870).

Pluto glyph

The world entered a new epoch in 2008, one that is changing socio-political reality as we know it. Pluto, that tiny planetoid in distant space, has the power to affect Earthlings in world-shattering ways. Pluto, in Greco-Roman mythology, is the powerful god of the Underworld. In astrology, Pluto represents Destruction, Rebirth, Mob, Dictators, Sex, Money, Earthquakes, Mass Movements and the Nuclear Bomb.

Pluto in Capricorn 

Pluto entered Capricorn in late January 2008, returned to Sagittarius in June, came back to Capricorn in November and will stay there until January 2024. And the world can expect disasters in the worst form as all hell could break lose. 

First, Big Business and Strong Governments will take over. Instead of overt wars against other people, there will be covert war against one’s own people – the citizens, the workforce, the ordinary people. But instead of bombs, the weapons will be Rules and Laws like the Patriot Act or the Human Security Law (Anti-Terrorism Law) or Cyber Crime Laws or State of Emergency or Martial Law. The name of the game is Security and Surveillance.

 And so this epoch will be characterized by the Plutonian Shadowy Power of Capricornian Big Business / Strong Government through Tight Controls. It will be George Orwell’s Big Brother come to life. 

The global crisis of 2008

January 2008 started with the downturn of US stock market and ended with the highest price drop in home sales in 25 years. By Sept. 7, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which controlled half of the $12 Trillion mortgage market collapsed and were taken over by the US government – in effect, nationalizing the housing market. 

And then huge investment banking firms like Lehman Brothers and Merryl Lynch collapsed. While Lehman Brothers was forced to close shop, the others were bailed out by the Federal Reserve – in effect, the government and its private banking partners took over the investment banking industry.

It must be noted that the US Federal Reserve System "is considered an independent central bank because its monetary policy decisions do not have to be approved by the President or anyone else in the executive or legislative branches of government, it does not receive funding appropriated by the Congress, and the terms of the members of the Board of Governors span multiple presidential and congressional terms". (source: Wikipedia) The Fed is actually owned by some 15 or so private banks which include JP Morgan Chase and Bank of America.

When Pluto entered into Capricorn, Big Business and Big Government created their coup and took over the banking, insurance and mortgage industries in the US and Europe.

From theory to practice

The theory or rationale for State Control was put in place while Pluto was in Sagittarius. The laws were enacted. The media spin was delivered. This time, with Pluto in Capricorn, theory is put in practice.

The Pakistani president, who had proclaimed a State of Emergency in early November 2007, jumped the gun in the race to Strong Governments.

President Arroyo tested the waters in February / March 2006 when she proclaimed a state of emergency. Unfortunately for her, not only was it premature, but Pluto was also in close conjunction to the Galactic Center, a super black hole in the center of our galaxy, which some astrologers regard as a purging and transforming mechanism.

But President Benigno Aquino had perfect timing. As Senator Joker Arroyo said, with the impeachment of Supreme Court Chief Justice Corona, President Aquino obtained autocratic powers without even declaring Martial Law. He is now in full control of the branches of government – controlling the House, the Senate and Judiciary. And with his connections with a TV mogul, he even controls the Media.

Historical precedents

Capricorn glyph

Pluto in Capricorn seems to have historical impact on the Philippines. Pluto entered Capricorn in 1515 and stayed there until 1532. Pluto in Capricorn creates states and humbles or even destroys empires. 

In 1515, Sharif Kabungsuwan arrived in Maguindanao and established the Maguindanao Sultanate.

In 1521, official Philippine history began when Magellan was said to “discover” the Philippines.

But such “discovery” led to the humbling of the great Spanish Empire, which historians up to now try to keep secret.  The chronicler of Magellan’s voyages, Antonio Pigafetta, recorded that in the Battle of Mactan, Magellan was killed by the men of the local chieftain Cali Pulaco who is popularly known as Lapu-Lapu. Afterwards, Cebu’s Rajah Humabon invited Magellan’s successor Duarte Barbossa and 25 of his men to a farewell luncheon where the Europeans were massacred. Pigafetta was fortunate to be wounded in the battle so he did not join his companions in the festivities.

Upon news of the massacre, the remaining men were not enough to take three ships. Hence, they abandoned the Concepcion and sped away aboard the Victoria and the Trinidad.  The Spaniards did not return to the Islands until 50 years later. And for 330 years, they made sure that the natives never heard of this massacre. In fact, until now, very few know of the massacre of Magellan’s men as historians, local and foreign, refuse to include them in their manuscripts.

At about the same time (1519 -1521), the Spanish conquistador Hernando Cortes arrived in the Valley of Mexico and started the systematic annihilation of the Aztec Empire.

Pluto returned to Capricorn on Nov. 8, 1762 up to Dec 1, 1778. This period saw the end of Europe’s Seven Years War. The French lost Canada and the West Indies territories to Britain and Louisiana to Spain. The fall of the French Empire paved the way for the French Revolution.

England, which had captured the Philippines and Cuba, returned these territories to Spain in exchange for Florida. England, however, managed to get territories -- Balambangan (Cagayan de Sulu), southern Palawan and North Borneo – in the name of its business arm, the East India Company -  from the Sulu Sultanate in exchange for its rescue of Sulu Sultan Azim ud Din I, who had been held hostage in Intramuros, Manila by the Spaniards for some 15 years.

However, in the later stage of this epoch, it was the British Empire’s turn to be humbled. In March 1775, Datu Teteng of Sulu attacked the British fort in Balambangan and forced the British out of Sulu. Sulu also got back its territories in North Borneo and Palawan.

On July 4, 1776, the United States of America declared their independence from Britain. Interestingly, 120 or so years later, when Pluto was in two-faced Gemini, the new power, the United States of America, decided to take both the Philippines and Sulu for itself through the 1898 Treaty of Paris and the Bates Treaty of 1899 respectively. 

CONTINUE TO PART 2

Apollo and the Chariot: A short story

By Isabel Sofia

Apollo was the god of the sun. He and his twin, Artemis, took charge of the main sources of our light and heat, the sun and moon.

One day as they began learning the duties of the sun and the moon, Apollo began wondering about what's so special being the sun god.

One day while he was still learning about what sun gods do, he skipped class. He visited Helios, the sun god before Apollo.

He ran as fast as he could to catch Helios before he left for his daily trip from East to West. He managed to see Helios preparing for his daily trip.

“Helios!” he shouted.

“Oh, hi Apollo! Want to join me on my daily trip around the Earth? You can come if you want,” he replied.

“Really?” Apollo said.

“Sure, you can come. It’ll be happening soon anyway.” “Thanks Helios!”

“Hurry then, the mortals will be wondering soon where the sun is.”

“How do you travel from East to West, Helios?” Apollo asked curiously.

“By using the Sun Chariot! You’ve never heard of it?”

“Well, I have. But I’ve never seen it. Can we go now?”

“Oh, of course! It’s almost time for sunrise!”

They walked quickly to where the chariot is being held and started making the trip. Apollo stared in delight at everything they passed by, like the clouds, the birds greeting them and the beautiful color of the sky.

He never had so much fun as this before. It was always memorizing lessons from the book, writing down what he learned, but not as fun as this. 

“Helios, is it always like this?” Apollo asked. 

“Yeah. One of the advantages of being the Sun god,” He smiled. 

“Can I go here every day?” Apollo asked hopefully. 

“Maybe every two days? You can’t just skip your lessons.” “Ok.” 

Every two days Apollo went with Helios to make the daily trip from East to West. It was always a fun thing to do. Until one day Helios said, 

“Apollo, nothing lasts forever. My time of being the Sun god has ended. It is now your duty to make the daily trips from East to West.” 

“But, I-I’m not yet ready to do this alone,” he exclaimed. “I can’t even ride the chariot without burning anything. It’s too soon!” Apollo complained. 

“I have been the Sun god too long. Now, it is your turn,” and Helios started to disappear with these last words. 

Apollo sighed as Helios disappeared. 

“Better start doing things on my own then,” he thought. 

He knew that he’ll be able to meet Helios again, so he did the daily trip properly knowing Helios would be proud. As his hard work progressed, he became a part of the 12 Olympians who watched over and protected the Earth. Even when he became an Olympian he never stopped believing Helios will come back. 

One day, near the summer solstice, Helios appeared to Apollo. 

“I see you’ve been working hard.” 

“Helios! You’re back! Want to do the trip with me?” 

“Sure, I want to see how you’re doing on your own.” 

This time Apollo led him and had excellent skills. Helios was so proud of Apollo’s achievement that he gave the Sun Chariot to Apollo and joined him in the daily trip. Since then, Apollo was always happy, enjoying his time until a new god comes.

First published in Medieval Astro-clock 2013, this is the first short story of Isabel Sofia, a 12-year old budding journalist/writer. 

She wrote this piece when she was just 10 years old after being inspired by Rick Riordan to read more on Greek Mythology.  

Isabel Sofia is the youngest member of Astrology Friends Philippines and is now a contributor to Manila Bulletin's Fun Page.