Hi Carol Ann,

I’m so glad you wrote, rulership is so very interesting, even now I continue to
learn new things about it.

Were to begin with rulership?

Make sure you are using a wheel that has the cusps marked with equally spaced lines. There are wheel models that have visually equal houses, the actual number of degrees per house can vary. This is the easiest wheel to use. Visually it is the best to work with, and although the number of degree per house may vary, it is a true representative of the horoscope.

Rulership is really one of the coolest things, and once you get a handle on it it can really change the way you view a horoscope.

There are three big horoscope whistles that help create a quick personality picture. Most people have heard of their sun sign, and yes the Sun sign can help create an idea of personality type. But at best it represents only one third of an ideal method. I share this information because I am so tired of being pressed by people about their Sun Sign. By itself a Sun Sign just doesn’t tell us too much.

That idea of “typing” suggests that the horoscope can give some idea of personality. And yes actually, the horoscope can be an excellent tool to capture a general idea of personality type. By the way, having a “type” is not offensive. Having some understanding of an individuals personality does not suggest that you have any real grasp of the issues or concerns that person is experiencing in their life. But if you have an understanding of “type” you may however have a means to communicate to the individual in a more efficient, direct and useful manner.

Life Mission depicted within the Horoscope

The thing about Astrology is that it can give you so much information about your life. With that information you can get a good idea about your career, relationships and most importantly, your life mission. “Life mission” sounds so grand and altruistic, but in our Western Civilization way of thinking it just doesn’t sound practical. But if you could project in life to a point in time that is close to the end of your life you might see yourself pondering the purpose of your life, if your life had any value and if you were able to influence other people in a positive way. But what if you could think about that life mission early on, or at least well before the end of your life, wouldn’t it be a fascinating subject to consider? With Astrology you really can ask about your life mission, and you can acquire some practical answers at any point along the time-line of your life journey.

Dear Readers and bloggers:

I am attempting to create a new web site. A bit more contemporary, and one that offers easy expansion. I am looking for ideas and articles. If you have an interesting Astrology idea to share, or an article, please forward to:

AstrologybyJoseph@mac.com

Thanks so much for your interest in my articles. The new web site is:

www.RisingStarAstrology.com

Check it out! Your readership is appreciated. Very soon I will be adding
new content to this new site. Maybe some content suggested by readers!

This is a continuation of my 2012 Mayan Calendar study. I am amazed with the masterful way the Mayans corroborated their calendar with Astrological dates. In some almost magical way I am realizing, these masters of math, time and astronomical events organized their calendar with an understanding of Astrology that evades our understanding today.

I can only guess what is going on, it seems that we are in a time of expanding participation in universal awareness, appreciation of nature and deepening of consciousness. As a result of this trend leading up to the 2012 date, a greater body of individuals are participating in what might be called “shared mind”. This sharing creates momentum that will I believe empower our intentions for the healing of the earth.

Often I meet other Astrologers, and they do come in many shapes sizes and colors. Often the exchange is warm, pleasant and interesting. It does not take long before the other party shares his/her particular Astrological approach. Many individuals are a joy to meet, but I generally find those individual that spout Astrology like hieroglyphics are most disturbing. Instantly they present themselves as traditional but also vain and inconsiderate, maybe arrogant with a feeling of superiority is more to the point. The result being a disconnect with the current public and a potential client base.

Astrocartography creates a fascinating connection between Astrology and geography. The horoscope chart itself is an informative resource that connects our life and time of birth to the earth. It is a record of the events in the sky that happened at the time of birth. No two horoscopes are the same. The planets move continuously, although slowly through the different signs of the zodiac. The earth however moves rapidly, resulting in the position of the planets changing rapidly on each individuals horoscope.
The horoscope is intersected with four major points created by the crossing of two lines, a vertical and a horizontal line. The horizontal line represents the plane of the earth, the east and west compass points. The vertical line separates the part of the sky above that is daylight and the opposite pole that represents the darkest time at night.

Vocational Analysis is one of the most useful tools of the horoscope. Using contemporary techniques it is a quick, easy and accurate process to complete.
Historically the family most often prescribed the career the off spring would follow. However, in current times the individual is generally free to find their own way. However, amazingly often people find their way into careers they are ill suited for.
Currently the world market is in a nasty down turn, and many individuals are finding themselves unemployed. This opens an opportunity for those people, as well as anyone looking to re-evaluate their career path, a chance to re-consider their career choice.

Most of my work does not involve predictions, it involves helping people
understand there nature through the study and analysis of their
Horoscope. In the consultation process, I create a time line from
information gained through their horoscope. That time-line usually follows
the reality of a persons life pretty well. In effect, it represents
behavior patterns that are well entrenched. Of course time changes
behavior, and this needs to be considered in the analysis. I can continue
the time-line into the future, thus creating I guess what might be called
a predictive period in the future. The result being that the individual has

At the time of this article Wall Street seems to be on the mend. However,
even if the economy seems to be improving, we must recognize that at the
core of the US economy are some very disturbing concerns, such as the
unimaginable government debt, the cumulative loss of manufacturing jobs,
the trade imbalance, reliance upon Chinese investments, and limited energy
resources. I suspect that the events of the past weeks are an indication of
further changes to come.

I am not a mundane Astrologer, but the recent melt down of the US
investment system concerns me because of the tremendous impact it has

Eternal Reoccurrence or Reincarnation

If you work with Astrology it seems clear that one must consider the question of repeated lives, reincarnation or reoccurrence. When we examine our natal charts, they seems to fit each individual so well, almost shouting out the idea that our very entrance into this reality was a matter of time, perfect time actually.

If you read my Cosmology article you will know that I present an approach to the idea of reoccurrence that is not encumbered with a lot of traditional religious ideas. I am not opposed to religious ideas, simple as I have conceptualized the concept, religion as we understand it is not a necessary big element. Regarding karma, I can see how Karma seems to be a working process during each life time, but I don’t buy the idea of Karma transferring from one life to the next. I believe that the process of returning to the “collective”, reduced to our most basic energetic form, removes any residual elements from our time in physical form. The process of “passing over” itself is sufficient to remove any unwanted human traits.

Predictions from Joseph

I thought that it might be a fun exercise to “guess” or predict future events. When I look at upcoming demanding horoscope charts, it seems painfully clear that huge disruptions in human life styles or routines are upcoming. How will humanity respond? Do we have reason for hope?

My Predictions, perhaps you may have a few of your own to suggest!

There are many snakes on the path that leads to the US presidency, thus making it difficult at this time to “pin it down”. Dissatisfaction with the process may spark initiative in the near future to create other political parties. Based on the horoscopes of the individuals involved, I would suggest that Mr Obama is the most likely winner. However, there is reason to believe that illegal events may take place that may impact upon the election results.

I view Astrology as a resource for personal transformation. Changing the heart, and mind. Transforming self to our highest possible potential at a given place and time within
What is mind? How do we conceptualize our reality? These are important questions to consider, because how our mind works and our images of the world we live in determines how we respond and create the external reality each of us sees. The mind is not the physical brain, but a process that creates a complex map, sketch, or blueprint of how to function in the world, the rewards and pitfalls. Limitations real or make believe can break down the working possibilities in that world.

I saw a recent article in Newsweek about a "intuitionist", who recently had published a book that became a best seller. This gal seems really cool, and apparently she is making mega bucks as an adviser to corporate leaders.

However, I was thinking that really a good astrologer has so much more to offer. She may have a good "hunch" but an astrologer can put a date on that "hunch", relate the "hunch" to overall development, and really create a holistic profile.

I have had a great deal of experience suggesting the value of intuition, especially at important decision making times, and I always try to be open to intuitive impressions when I am working on an individuals horoscope. However to put this in perspective: if intuition is the butter, Astrology is the bread, the bread has much more substance.

Those of you that regularly read my web sites know I’m not much of a writer, but most importantly you probably also know that I do offer some interesting ideas about Astrology. I follow an Astrology method, but what makes my analysis work is that my method includes an intuitive perspective that can really bring to light personality features that need to be understood. I find mundane Astrology, political Astrology, most interesting, but my focus is on personal Astrology. So on those occasions when I do research for an individual, I prepare an Analysis that is well done and really applies to the individuals current concerns. I am sharing this because I have a new light shining on my Astrology Desk, that being the light of rectification. Rectification is the process of adjusting or determining the time of birth.

I have been thinking about the Mayan Calendar and the year 2012. For those of you that are not familiar with all the different ideas about the end of the Mayan calendar, which apparently comes to a halt on Dec 21, 2012, there are a host of books and articles about the subject.

Astrological events developing from now through 2012 are also suggestive of great change. Between the two, the Mayan calendar and Astrological events, lots of ideas are suggested. We are clearly in a tremendous time of world change and spiritual change.

My work as an Astrologer is not so much about understanding world events as it is simply helping individuals, one by one. However each individual is very much a part of the whole world family. And as a member of this vast family, all of us experience impact from world events. We are all connected.

This is just a concept, an idea to think about. Over the years I’ve thought about the different traditional ideas about the life after, and most of those ideas just don’t seem much fun. Most importantly to me, those different concepts seem to have too many inconsistencies or are out of date. Meaning that those ideas seem to have been formed at specific historical times and with the progression of time many of the weaknesses of thinking behind those theories are clearly evident. For example the christian system is based upon the concept of “lordship”, and that allegiance and worship of a king is a necessary part of package. This ancient feudal image is appealing to many, however democratic experiences have led many to realize that whatever divinity may be, “lordship” is not necessary.

A note or two about Rulership in Horoscope Analysis

In addition to typical measurements like aspects and reading planets in
signs and houses, there is another every elegant interpretative method.
That method being the consideration of planetary rulership. When I use the
term rulership, I am referring to the planet that rules each house. Not always,
but often it is the planet that rules the sign on the cusp of each house. So
for example, say that one sees Gemini on the cusp of the 5th house. Than
Mercury will rule 5th house concerns. This suggesting that ideas, communication
and “mind” are an active part of the art of giving to others in relationships.

Symbolically, each planet represents time uniquely, differently. This is a developing concept for me, the idea of measuring time from different perspectives, adding different layers of understanding to our life experience, by measuring different planetary cycles. Each planet a different life cycle. It is not so much about adding something new to one’s life as it is about acceptance, adding depth to understanding allows one to accept some life events that might otherwise be difficult to understand.

Of all the planets Saturn stands out pragmatically as a means to measure time and the symbols of life changes. At best we can experience three Saturn cycles. The first cycle, from birth to age 29 represents the initiation phase. All education matters, career decisions and first romances typically occur in this period. The second period, from 29 to 58, represents the time that we are most productive. Families are raised, careers are rewarded, the structures of ones life are well set. The third passage of Saturn, from 58 through the 80, is a time to “retire”, to enjoy the fruit of one’s labor, and it is often a time of personal reflection.

In review of this article, it clearly is just to long. So I thought it might be interesting to try to summarize up front some key points. First, it is always fascinating when an astrologer can grasp so quickly the issues in an individuals life following a review of your natal chart. I'm not sure people care too much about acquiring a personal "reading", but when the Astrologer can zero in on hot issues that are important, and people respond...that's empowering. Second, when I can create a time line, taken from Astrological data, that really reflects one's life, it gets really interesting when that time line transitions from the past to the future. Just think, if we are in aggreement for past events, than most likely the same methods will prove to be realistic for future dates. With such a tool, one feels like they can participant in their destiny. Those Astrological symbols become alive and the individual can interact with those archetypes and with their personal time. Our mind has a great deal of power to create, given tools that assist that creative process enables us to be participants rather than just spectators. This is what a power consultation is about!

The horoscope tells a story. Now it’s important that you realize that this is really not your story, but amazingly like your story. Sometimes it can amazingly parallel you life in many ways. When we look at our horoscopes, we need to take that which is useful and put it in our pocket. Take that information home, use it as needed. Those parts that just don’t seem to fit, we are not to worry about. Sometimes, given a little time, those items are understoond and meaningful. Ultimately we will find that all the bits fit! In time our horoscopes can reveal new and deeper layers.

There are numerous types of measurements used in Astrology. One of the most interesting measurements is the use of aspects. Aspects are geometric angles between planets. The distances in the angles is measured by degrees and the number of degrees determines the type of aspect. Different aspects over the years have have become associated with different meanings. The meanings acquire tradition, but over time even traditional interpretations are modified. Today psychological insight has added depth to the meaning of most aspects. So when I do research for an individual and prepare for a consultation, I may use words like “indicates” or “suggests", the use of these words may refer to the interpretation of an aspect. Usually I prefer to avoid jargon in a consultation. I've done the homework, and the client should have a consultation that is clear and understood.

As an introduction, and this may not be exactly correct, but in my mind the term “New Age", is derived from the idea of The Age of Aquarius. This idea denotes the processional change in the earth’s orientation of the visible zodiac. This movement into the sign Aquarius, suggests that humanity will actually start to behave like good humans.

“The Age” symbolically is a time in which humanity collectively cares about the needs of the people of the earth and of the earth itself, as compared to the age of Pisces, considered a time in which the earth was exploited and people were/are exploited for the benefit of a few.

Studying the Horoscope

Read the influence of the Sun and moon by sign

Read the influence of the Ascending sign, the midheaven

Read the influence of the Moon by sign

Read the influence of Mercury by sign

Read the aspects to the significator and to the co-rulers.

The planet that rules the rising sign in a horoscope at the moment of birth is called the significator, its power and influence according to the sign in which it may be located is very important. The most prominent planet in the house.

Ascending Sign

Aries
Lovers of independence, fond of their own way and happy only in activity and command. The head of things, leader. Mars

Sabian Symbols
The Sabian symbols were produced in 1925 by clairvoyant Elsie Wheeler, and they are the most popularly used set of degree symbols today. There are 360 symbols, a symbol for each degree of a complete circle.

Aries
0-1 deg Aries

A Woman Just Risen From The Sea; A Seal Is Embracing Her

1-2 deg Aries

A Comedian Reveals Human Nature

2-3 deg Aries

The Cameo Profile Of A Man, Suggesting The Shape Of His Country

3-4 deg Aries

Two Lovers Strolling On A Secluded Walk

4-5 deg Aries

A Triangle With Wings

5-6 deg Aries

A Square, With One Of Its Sides Brightly Illumined

Illness infringes upon ones life at the most inopportune times. I’ve been fortunate that illness has been a minor distraction or an occasional pesky visitor. But this past year I have discovered the personal power that illness can weld as well as its redemptive light.

In the astrology department, I’ve pretty much ignored aspects that might suggest caution or carefulness regarding my own health. Looking at my own chart has been a planning and organization effort. It has forced consideration of larger issues and questions that are easily ignored. This of course has led me to reconsider the holistic perspectives that can be overlooked. So I’d like to share my story, maybe take a look at what Astrology has to say about this, and maybe draw a circle that includes astrology as an expanding tool of power