Greetings!
Welcome to the December It's All Good Astrology News. As always, thanks so much for the privilege of sending it to you!
This month's feature article shows how some of Barack Obama's talents and personality characteristics are predicted by his natal chart. (Don't worry, no prior knowledge of astrology required!)
We're also offering you lots of ways to save money:
1) a 15% discount off consultations for those with December birthdays,
2) last chance to save 20% on holiday gift certificates,
3) a discount up to $10 per class on Benjamin's online astrology mentoring class, and
4) final call for a $50 discount off OPA's April astrology retreat!
There's also information on:- Benjamin's Online Beginning Astrology Class starting Jan. 5,
- an opportunity for you to get a free on-air consultation with Benjamin on Dec. 15,
- the scoop on Benjamin's "Quantum Global Shift" lecture coming up Jan. 13,
- the This Week in Astrology podcast's one-year run at #1, and
- the December forecast!
Thanks again for choosing to receive the It's All Good Astrology News, . Enjoy the issue!
-- Benjamin
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Obama Astrologized
by Benjamin Bernstein
Now that Barack Obama is set to become the next president of the United States, it seems like a good time to explore how some of his key personality characteristics and talents are shown in his natal chart. (I'm using Porphyry houses and the birth information August 4, 1961, 7:24 PM, Honolulu, HI.)
Leo: Leadership as Service
Obama's strongest sign is Leo, the sign of the "king" -- one who is naturally at home in the spotlight. He has four things in Leo: the Sun, Mercury, Uranus and the North Node of the Moon.
At first blush, one might expect someone with so many Leo planets to be a preening egotist. Fortunately, their house placement counteracts this. The Sun and Mercury are in the Sixth House of humility and service, while Uranus and the North Node are in the Seventh House of others. So all his Leo planets make him a natural leader, while their house placement helps ensure that he charts a course for the benefit of others.
Unaspected Planets: The Wild Cards
Obama rose from Illinois State Senator to United States Senator to President-Elect with stunning speed. His ability to rapidly achieve his goals by making an end run around the usual path is reflected by the presence of three "unaspected" planets: the Sun*, Venus and Uranus. (I am using the classical definition of "unaspected": no Ptolemaic aspects to anything from the Sun through Saturn.)
To have one unaspected planet is noteworthy; two is rare; three is extraordinary. (In fact, out of some 2000 consultations, I cannot recall ever seeing another chart with three unaspected planets!) Unaspected planets are considered wild cards. Being mavericks, unrestrained by the other core energies of the chart, they can plunge fearlessly into areas where angels might fear to tread. For some, this could be disastrous. For Obama, it led him to believe that he could be the first black man to be elected President of the United States.
Aquarius Rising
Most people would be comfortable applying the adjectives "distinctive," "paradigm-breaking" and "one-of-a-kind" to Obama. These words describe Aquarius and its modern ruler Uranus. Obama's rising sign -- the mask or persona he presents to the world -- is Aquarius. (He also has Jupiter and the South Node in this sign, making Aquarius a powerful force in his chart.)
Aquarian energy also features prominently in Obama's "Axis of Destiny" (the archetypal journey from the South Node to the North Node). His South Node is in Aquarius, and while the North Node is in Leo, it's conjunct the Aquarius-flavored planet Uranus. Any hope this man may have had of being "just a regular guy" was doomed from the start!
Mercury and the Golden Tongue
Obama's outstanding oratorical skills are universally acknowledged, and are clearly supported by Mercury (the planet of communication) in charismatic Leo. Plus, Mercury has powerful allies! Its energy is amplified and made distinctive by its opposition to Jupiter in Aquarius. Its tight sextile to the Moon gives his words emotional power and helps them resonate with the public. (In a famous person's chart, the Moon can stand for the masses.) Mercury trines the Midheaven, the angle associated with career and public recognition. One could even make a case that Mercury makes a loose conjunction to the Sun, a signature often seen in the charts of well-known writers and speakers.
Additional support for his gifts as a communicator comes from the Moon in Gemini (the sign of communication), opposing the Midheaven and energized by a square from powerful Pluto. And pioneering Mars, which rules Obama's Third House of communication, connects easily by trine to rock-steady Saturn (dignified in its home sign of Capricorn).
Saturn and Uranus: the Tightest Aspect
Obama has made clear that he intends to accomplish his ambitious agenda by partnering with both Democratic and Republican lawmakers. His ability to work with the established powers-that-be as he brings about paradigm shift is reflected by the tightest aspect in his chart: an angle of adjustment (a quincunx) between Saturn and Uranus that is only 1/20 of a degree from being exact! (Saturn represents tradition and the status quo, while Uranus represents revolution and paradigm shift.) It seems nothing less than poetry that Saturn and Uranus create Obama's most exact natal aspect, while these two planets also made an exact opposition in the sky on the day he was elected President!
Jupiter: Bringer of Hope
Obama's chart reveals so much more about him, such as his desire for a sane and stable home life for his family (Taurus on the Fourth House cusp) and his mission to bring much-needed transformation to the world (Scorpio on the Midheaven). But let's conclude by exploring why the audacious concept of "hope" - one of the words with which he is most strongly associated -- is so strong in his chart.
Jupiter, bringer of optimism, hope and luck, permeates Obama's personality because it aspects more of his personal planets than anything else. It sextiles his Moon, opposes his Mercury and quincunxes his Venus. Hope is easily visible in his message because of Jupiter's sextile to the high-profile Midheaven, and the inspiration he offers feels so stable, trustworthy and credible because of Jupiter's conjunction to Saturn.
The Right Man at the Right Time
I feel that there is something truly magical about Obama.** It seems to me that he is the right man at the right time, for the United States and the world. I, for one, will be keeping him in my prayers.
_________________
* I state later in this article that the Sun might be loosely conjunct Mercury. Even if true, the distance between them is so great (more than 10°) that their wide conjunction would not significantly impact the Sun's behavior as an unaspected planet.
** The spiritual energy Obama radiates is shown by numerous Neptune aspects: the planet of divine connection squares the Sun, trines Venus and Chiron, semi-squares Mars and quintiles Uranus and the North Node. Chiron in Pisces, Saturn and Jupiter in the 12th House, and Neptune standing alone at the top of his chart as his most elevated planet also contribute to his spiritual vibe.
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Celestial Forecast for December 2008
by Benjamin Bernstein
Whatever your sun sign, this forecast will help you choose how to best use each month's astrological energies! Events are most powerful on the dates listed. However, their influence will be active for at least several days before and after. All dates and times are in the U.S. eastern time zone.
While everyone is affected by these global transits, you will be most powerfully impacted when moving planets activate natal planets and other sensitive points in your birth chart.
VOID-OF-COURSE MOONS. It's best to avoid starting important new projects or making major purchases during these times. "Business as usual" is the best strategy for these periods, which occur when the Moon has made its last major Ptolemaic aspect but has not yet moved into the next sign.
12/1, 10:45 am - 12/2, 1:46 am, Aquarius
12/3, 9:15 pm - 12/4, 1:25 pm, Pisces
12/6, 7:44 - 9:45 pm, Aries
12/8, 4:36 pm - 12/9, 1:54 am, Taurus
12/10, 5:24 pm - 12/11, 2:35 am, Gemini
12/12, 1:01 pm - 12/13, 1:41 am, Cancer
12/14, 5:28 pm - 12/15, 1:24 am, Leo
12/16, 7:46 pm - 12/17, 3:37 am, Virgo
12/19, 5:30 - 9:24 am, Libra
12/21, 11:58 am - 6:38 pm, Scorpio
12/24, 12:30 - 6:14 am, Sagittarius
12/26, 6:26 - 6:57 pm, Capricorn
12/29, 4:20 - 7:44 am, Aquarius
12/31, 1:34 - 7:29 pm, Pisces
THE STORY SO FAR: As December opens, all planets are direct.
12/1. With Venus conjunct Jupiter, it's one of the luckiest days of the year for finance and relationships! And, since they're joining in Capricorn, whatever you initiate or amplify at this time should have good staying power.
You may find yourself thinking more creatively than usual in these and other areas, with the inspirational possibilities opened by today's Sun-Neptune quintile.
12/3. Learning about healing, or sharing information about it, is supported by today's Mercury-Chiron sextile. Giving or receiving mentoring would also be timely.
12/5. The greater your receptivity, the more insights you'll receive during the lightning storm of intuitive flashes created by today's Mercury-Uranus square. Don't reject any of these ideas out of hand -- even if they initially seem crazy -- but give those paradigm-shifting possibilities a second and third look instead.
It's also a high-energy day, with two paragons of vitality -- the Sun and Mars -- conjunct in the no-holds-barred sign of Sagittarius. The more physically active you can be, the better!
12/6. The durable Saturn-Uranus opposition will form the foundation for three T-squares this month, a challenging aspect pattern made up of two opposing planets (180° apart) forming squares (90° angles) to a third. Mercury forms the first T-SQUARE, which peaks today and is strong the 3rd thru the 8th. This could feel a bit like a mini Mercury Retrograde, with potential difficulties around communication and short-range travel. However, you can make good use of this energy by giving serious thought to creative ways of integrating new paradigms into existing structures. Don't make this a completely left-brain exercise, however: with Mercury sextile Neptune, your best insights may come when you relax and invite answers in from your own omniscient Source.
12/7. Venus enters Aquarius today thru 1/3, a great time to bring a fresh, experimental energy to your relationships and creativity. Group activities are also supported.
Venus' entry into Aquarius also shifts the balance of power in the sky, from a 3-3 standoff between STELLIUMS in Capricorn and Aquarius to equally balanced three-planet Stelliums in Sagittarius and Aquarius thru 12/12.
12/8. Chiron receives a sextile from the Sun today, amplifying the energy of healing, wisdom-sharing and maverick action.
12/9. Chiron is now receiving a double-hit of energy, with Mars adding its sextile to the Sun's. This makes it an exceptionally good time to work with the themes described on 12/8.
12/10. The Sun squares Uranus today, anticipating December's second T-square on 12/12. If your energy feels a bit erratic today, you can ameliorate this aspect's destabilizing effect with a vigorous workout or by opening yourself to intuitive flashes of wisdom. (Click here for a writing meditation that may enhance your receptivity.)
Click here for the rest of the December forecast.
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In Closing
Thanks for taking the time to read this, . Your comments are always welcome. May the stars light your way!
Be well,
Benjamin Bernstein & Spiritsong
Holistic Astrologers
It's All Good Astrology
"Hope found here"
828-658-9073 / 800-461-3569 (Benjamin) or 828-777-6688 (Spiritsong)
www.ItsAllGoodAstrology.com
benjamin@ItsAllGoodAstrology.com; mary@SpiritsongOasis.com
Benjamin hosts This Week in Astrology, the #1 astrology podcast on iTunes since late 2007. Discover how you can make the best use of the current planetary energies while deepening your knowledge of astrology!
"Your reading put me back in the game. You offered
meaning and hope and practical reasons and steps to take...What a relief you
are!"
- Laura Frisbie, Asheville, NC
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December Birthday Discounts!
We offer a 15% discount to anyone booking a consultation during their birthday month!* So if your birthday falls in December, it's a great time to schedule a consultation, get a preview of your major opportunities and challenges during the coming 12 months (and beyond), and save some money!
__________________________________________________
* Cannot be combined with other price reduction offers
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Lower Tuition & Single-Session Attendance Available for December Mentoring Classes!
 Experience the joy of increasing your astrological expertise in an intimate small-group setting! Benjamin is offering Online Astrology Mentoring Classes on December 4, 11 & 18. And with his new sliding scale tuition offer, students can save up to $10 per class!
Regular weekly classes will resume Jan. 8.
For more information, please visit the Classes Page.
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Online Beginning Astrology Class
starts eight-week session Mon., Jan. 5
The next session of Benjamin's Online Beginning Astrology Class runs for eight weeks on Monday nights from Jan. 5 to Feb. 23, 8-10 pm US eastern time. You'll learn about modes, elements, planets, signs, houses, aspects, aspect patterns, chart integration and more - everything you need to start interpreting natal charts! You get 16 hours of live, interactive online instruction for just $195 -- satisfaction guaranteed or your money back!
The audio portion of the class is via conference call, while the visuals will be displayed on a special website that displays Benjamin's computer screen in real time. An audio MP3 download of each class is included, as well as a PDF of each week's handout.
Click here for more information, or call 828-658-9073 / 800-461-3569 toll-free, or e-mail info@ItsAllGoodAstrology.com.
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Last Chance to Save 20% on Holiday Gift Certificates!
Any service we offer is available, from quick by-the-minute "stocking stuffer" consultations ($16 and up) to our four-hour Deep Immersion Consultation! You can choose between mailed paper certificates or emailed "instant delivery" PDFs that you can print out or forward by email. And no matter what format you choose, it's 20% off when you purchase your gift certificates this month! (We were going to reduce the December discount to 15%, but the holiday spirit got the better of us!)
Your gift receipient's satisfaction is guaranteed: if they don't find their consultation to be accurate and helpful, we'll refund the cost of your gift certificate.
To give the life-transforming gift of astrological insight, call 828-658-9073 or 800-461-3569, or email info@ItsAllGoodAstrology.com.
The fine print:
Holiday gift certificates purchased in 2008 may be redeemed Dec. 21,
2008 thru Dec. 31, 2009. Clients can work with Benjamin from anywhere
in the world by phone or Skype, so distance is no obstacle. Finally,
gift certificates must be redeemed by someone other than the person who
bought them. |
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This Week in Astrology Podcast Celebrates One Year at #1!
We're proud to announce that Benjamin's* free podcast, This Week in Astrology, has now spent one year as the #1 astrology podcast on iTunes! iTunes is the world's most popular source for podcasts, which are like radio shows that can be listened to anytime on a computer or digital music player. (There are also video podcasts.)
Our thanks to all the loyal iTunes listeners who have kept us at the top! If you haven't yet heard the show, which tells you
how to make the
best use of the current planetary energies -- while deepening your knowledge of astrology -- you can check it out here.
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* Spiritsong co-hosts the show from time to time.
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Final Call for Astrology Retreat Discount!
 A $50 discount is available for the 6th Annual Astrology Retreat held by OPA, the Organization for Professional Astrology. Early registrants will pay tuition of only $445 (normally $495) if they sign up by New Year's Day!
Fifteen specialty tracks will be offered at the retreat. (One of them, "Building Your Successful Astrology Practice," will be co-taught by Benjamin and OPA President Bob Mulligan.) The retreat will take place April 15-19, 2009 at the Asilomar Conference Center on California's Monterey Peninsula.
Click here for more information.
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Benjamin to do Live Consultations on Internet Radio Show Dec. 15
Benjamin will appear on the "Creating Your Own Reality" internet radio show on Mon., Dec. 15 at 8 pm eastern time. The show is hosted by Pastor Jonathan Fisher. Listeners can hear the show live by calling 646-716-8138, and are also invited to ask Benjamin astrology questions. They can also join the show's chat room during the show. |
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Benjamin's "Quantum Global Shift" Lecture Tue., Jan. 13
"Quantum Global Shift: An Astrologer Looks at 2009 thru 2012 and Beyond." That's quite a topic, and Benjamin promises that it will be a lecture to remember! He will present it on Tues., Jan. 13 at 7 pm in the lower level meeting room at Mystic Journeys, 333 Merrimon Ave. in Asheville, NC. (Click here for zoomable map.) Admission is free; love offerings are welcome.
(As a free bonus, all attendees will receive complimentary copies of Shining From Inside and The Beauty Within. Benjamin composed and recorded these studio CDs when he was creating music for human ears, before he switched to his current passion: interpreting the music of the spheres!)
The global financial crisis is just the warm-up act for the unprecedented period of massive paradigm shift we have now entered. The astrological energies driving this transformation are more powerful than anything most living humans have ever experienced, and Benjamin will explain them so that even those who have never studied astrology can understand what's up. Benjamin will discuss 2009 in detail, as well as the powerful multi-year transits of Pluto, Uranus and Saturn that will be shaking up the planet thru 2020. And, of course, we'll spend some time discussing 2012!
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December 2008
