Getting the Birth Time Right!
Actually I could manage a rectification in the past, but it was such a demanding and difficult process that usually I preferred not to make it an option. But I’ve made a concerted effort to uncover the secrets of rectification and now feel so much more relaxed with the process. There are actually a few Astrologers out there that specialize in just rectification, and that’s kind of neat. The process does take some time, but one of the benefits of doing the rectification myself, is that the process itself can unlock some unique information about the individual’s horoscope.
One point to share is the importance of the Ascendant. Once the birth chart Ascendant is ascertained and tested, the process can proceed rather smoothly. The Ascendant is located at the first cusp or beginning of the first house. There are of course twelve signs, the question is which of the twelve is on the Ascendant. Once that sign is determined you have reduced the birth time down to a manageable two hours. That’s a much more workable period of time compared to twenty-four hours. With a bit more work I can often work the time down to the minute. Most people identify with their Sun sign. But if you also know the Moon’s sign and the Ascendant’s sign you effectively have 300% more information, a much more complete picture. The Ascendant sign actually is more like the persons public persona than the Sun sign. The Sun sign suggesting the conduct of energy within the life. If the individual is a parent and the children’s birth data is know, that data, although not necessary, can sometimes help the process along. When we can see that the child is very much like the mother or father, and how the child is different or opposite the parent it can suggest, point to, or limit the Ascendant choice. There is also a reciprocity in the horoscope, opposing signs, can have similar but opposite manifestations, for example Cancer and Capricorn both reflect a focus on security. Cancer would focus that security need by creating a safe environment, whereas Capricorn would reflect that security need by establishing a secure social role. A child being like a parent may have that a driving need for security, but if the parental focus was in Cancer, the child may have that focus in Capricorn. This is just a possibility, but when engaging in the rectification process it is one avenue to quickly assess that might help the process along. And although it doesn’t always fit, haven’t we often in life heard people say they were like a parent or completely opposite a parent in so many ways?
Rectification is an interesting process, and unless an perfect birth certificate is found, there is no way to absolutely prove the corrected time is actually the right time. But if the time proves to be pragmatic that should be sufficient. What I mean by pragmatic, is that when I create a time line based upon Astrological data, that the Astrological events over and over relate to real life events. If this rectified birth chart works for all the dates leading up to the present, than we can surmise that the events suggested for future dates will also maintain that consistency of truth.
One final note, in an amazing number of cases the birth time on a birth certificate has proven to be incorrect. Many times family members will actually affirm that the time is incorrect. I suspect that in many cases that the birth time was rounded off. Although occasionally a child is born exactly on the hour, I would as a rule, also consider those birth times suspect.
Article by Joseph
AstrologybyJoseph@mac.com
Aspects the Angles of Astrology
Aspects refer to the mathematical angles by degree between two or more planets. Keep in mind that the Astrology wheel being a circle is measured in 360 degrees. Let’s take a brief look at, and define the major aspects.
Conjunctions A conjunction means that two planets appear to overlap. Of course the planets are not equidistant from the sun. But from our perspective one planet passes over another, and this is reflected in the astrology chart prepared by an astrologer for an individual client. An example of a conjunction that everyone would notice would be a solar eclipse. A conjunction can have a positive or negative influence in a chart, depending on the planets and houses involved. Planets in conjunctions have their energy intensified. When an outer planet and an inner planet are conjunct, or a planet is conjunct with the moon, the energy produced can suggest a difficult period of time or experience.
Oppositions An opposition is pretty much self defining. In my birth chart when the sun is directly overhead at noon time, the moon appeared in that part of the world enjoying midnight, give or take some time zone variations, meaning completely opposite. An opposition can be very challenging or reflect equality or balance between two strong forces.
Squares Squares are planets at a 90 degree angle. Square and oppositions on a birth chart generally represent developmental tension to an individual. A "square" is probably the most important of all aspects in that it shows the most tension and conflict in the chart, and therefore the potential for change and growth. A number of squares can make a "T" square or a grand cross (another article altogether). Traditionally squares have been viewed as unfavorable, especially for combinations like Mars squared Saturn. Mars viewed as aggressive and outgoing, and Saturn as retreating or constricting. However a chart without a square can be rather weak kneed, and most commonly the squares suggest opportunity for maturity.
Trines Trines are aspects with an angle of 120 degrees, or one third of the mathematical circle. A grand trine is three points on the circle separated by 120 degrees. Connecting the points creates a triangle within the circle. Interestingly, the three connecting signs also have the same element (i.e. fire, earth, air, water). A grand trine (three planets each a trine apart from the other two) often suggests the individual is highly self protective and cut off from relating adequately, or suggest a powerful self-defense posture. Trines alone bring easy energy and are associated with success.
Sextiles Sextiles are planetary aspects of 60 degrees. Sextiles are considered positive aspects in ones birth chart, but a sextile may however, also represent potential that can be developed through conscious effort. Of all the major aspects I find sextiles least interesting, mostly because the math associated with the other angles seems to offer more possibilities. Words that come to mind are common and complementing.
Minor aspects can also play an important supporting role in one's astrology chart. Minor aspects include the: semisextile, semisquare (not quite as dramatic as a square), sesquiquadrate, decile, novile, septile, trecile, and the inconjunct. Many astrologers today also consider the inconjunct a major aspect, also important are the quintile and the quindecile. The quindecile is 165 degrees, 15 degrees shy of an opposition. It corresponds with: disruption, separation, upheaval, obsession, and compulsion. The quintile is 72 degrees and represents a supportive aspect suggesting creativity. In ancient times astrologers relied only upon the major aspects.
Ascending Sign
Aries Lovers of independence, fond of their own way and happy only in activity and command. The head of things, leader. Mars
Taurus Self-reliant, persistent nature capable of working hard and long in order to accomplish their purposes. Gentle while unprovoked, but, “mad as a bull” when really angered. Husbandly. Venus
Gemini Ambitious, aspiring, curious, and given to inquiry, investigation and experimenting. Also apt, dexterous, active and capable of engaging in two or more pursuits at the same time. The nature is sympathetic and sensitive, the mind is intuitive, perceptive ad imaginative, and idealistic. Mercury
Cancer Changeable, sensitive, and retiring disposition with many changes and ups and downs of position and occupation. They have a fertile imagination, are somewhat sentimental, sympathetic, and talkative. Psychic and mediumistic faculty are very conscientious, receptive to new ideas and have the ability to adapt themselves to their environment. Home/security. Moon
Leo Good-natured, philosophical, generous, kindhearted, noble disposition. Leo natives are frank, free, outspoken, independent, forceful, demonstrative in manner. The nature is electric and inspiring. Best when they have authority or hold some high or responsible position. Sun
Virgo Modest, conservative, thoughtful, contemplative and industrious. Very active, not easily contented and learn readily and quickly. Good endurance and do not show their age. Of a speculative turn and often give way to worry and over anxiety. Are sensitive to surroundings and the conditions of others. Careful of details. Nurse/teacher/research Mercury.
Libra Love Justice, neatness, order, peace and harmony and are usually very courteous, pleasant and agreeable people; although quick to anger are easily appeased. The are fond of beauty in all forms: in nature, art, music, literature. Can enter with zest into refined and cultural pleasures and amusements and greatly enjoy the company and society of brave, happy sunny mirthful people. Venus
Scorpio Reserved, tenacious, determined, and secretive, somewhat inclined to be suspicious, skeptical and stingingly sarcastic. Quick witted, quick in speech and action, alert, forceful and positive. They are often blunt, brusque and fond of contest. Staunch and splendid friends. The possess grit and enterprise. Pluto
Sagittarius Inclined to be jovial, bright, hopeful, generous and charitable. Love liberty and free and freedom are very independent and will allow no one to order or drive them. They rarely miss the mark n their deductions. At times they are restless, over-anxious and high-strung. Generally aggressive, progressive, and aspiring, quick to see and take advantage of opportunities to consummate business arrangements. In speech straight to the point. Jupiter
Capricorn Serious, quiet, thoughtful, contemplative nature, possessing dignity and self-esteem. Enough to look after their interests well. They are cautious, prudent, economical and practical and usually act only after due premeditation. Ambitious and persevering and can work hard and long without becoming discouraged. Thrifty, respect religion. Saturn
Aquarius Determined, quintet, patient, unobtrusive and faithful nature as a rule. Aquarians are philosophical, very humanitarian and usually refined, fond of art, music scenery and literature. In disposition reasonable, thoughtful, discriminative. Strong likes and dislikes, usually sociable and of large acquaintance, intuitive, fond of occult research, peculiar, radical, or eccentric in some ways. Uranus
Pisces Kind, loving, trustful, confiding, sympathetic nature. The disposition is courteous, affable, hospitable, and methodical. Pisces are idealistic, imaginative impressionable, emotional, mediumistic, receptive, and quiet. Orderly in manner. Quick to observe deficiencies in others or lack of completeness in anything. Usually lacking in confidence and self-esteem. Neptune
The Midheavens
Aries -Mars- reflects energy and action. Ego-conscious action. The ability to decide what to do and
the action itself are closely connected to awareness of self.
Taurus -Venus- persistent pursuit of goals. This individual does not waver, pursues ahead steadily. Predictable outcome.
Gemini -mercury- Self-knowledge through processes that are immediately available for self-examination. Inner conflicts are resolved directly through self-awareness, or ego-consciousness- you are the catalyst for your own change.
Cancer -moon- direct connection between ego-consciousness and the soul. The emphasis on inner spiritual meaning and values becomes a catalyst for self-understanding. Preconscious or unconscious motives are always close to the surface of conscious awareness involving soul, relationships, and changing objective.
Leo -sun- In terms of consciousness, this position addresses the very goals of life. Strong focus on advancement toward success. Direction or mission are very clear. The objective is seen.
Virgo -mercury- A personal drive for security. Career likely to involve a focus on money and material things, and the details of satisfying one’s needs and desires. It seems obvious that self-awareness is essential to this task. A possible weakness is susceptibility to faulty logic when it comes to dressed in elegant language.
Libra -Venus- Expresses through art and harmony, involving either the physical world or interpersonal, social relations. The women or the feminine principle are active in principle are active in the person’s life. This energy arises within the self and affects relationships with others.
Scorpio -Pluto- A force to shape one’s individuality. Through sheer force of will, Pluto pushes the individual to discover a mission in life and to fulfill it. No longer simple thoughts, the mission becomes a guiding force for transformation. Personal power is mobilized to attain success.
Sagittarius -Jupiter- The urge to expand is joined with self-awareness to produce direction and optimism. Success throughout life because the higher, more comprehensive awareness of cosmic law is so closely linked to ego-consciousness…as if the two are one expression for the individual.
Capricorn -Saturn- can lead to rigid ideas about the world. Its more about the limitations we find in the physical environment. There is a focus on the structure of one’s own personality rather than on things out side the self. Self-critical, sometimes leading to an actual loss of ego-consciousness. The result is a difficulty in career and relationships that can only be overcome through steadfast adherence to one’s goals. Clear thought processes will negate the tendency toward depression and mental disorder.
Aquarius -Uranus-Rhythm, independence and even rebellion are keys to self-awareness. There is a state of being ready to take action, coupled with a strong intuitive sense of what direction to take with one’s life. When the mind is well trained, the thinking process provides equilibrium in one’s life as the individual can foresee conditions and events clearly.
Pisces -Neptune- Uncertainty is the keyword for this Midheaven, Ego-consciousness is frequently not available, or only after great effort. Must work hard to manifest the higher qualities of psychic awareness. Strength gained from the contemplative practices. Dreaminess and aimlessness. As people move into the 21 century they will find better ways to work with Pisces and Neptune energy., relieving the depression and mental disturbances that occur with this Midheaven. Need for definition in the physical realm to balance any lack of mental definition/direction.