Greetings!
Welcome to the April It's All Good Astrology News. As always, thanks so much for the privilege of sending it to you!
This month's feature article discusses the correlations between progressed planets and significant life changes. As I show, there's been an extremely strong correlation between the two in my life!
I'm "Springing forth" with three brand-new opportunities! They're all detailed in this newsletter, including:
- an exciting new Mayan/Western "Soul Journey" Consultation I'm doing in partnership with Mayan astrologer Clare Coriell,
- a new "virtual astrology conference" website offering free astrology classes, and
- we're now a dealer for Astrolabe's world-class astrology software, including Solar Fire -- and we discount every day!
This newsletter also covers our 20% April birthday discount, my upcoming web radio appearance and astrology lecture, and my three upcoming astrology classes. And let's not forget the April forecast!
Thanks again for choosing to receive the It's All Good Astrology News, . Enjoy the issue!
-- Benjamin
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New Mayan/Western "Soul Journey" Consultation!
 Benjamin is now partnering with astrologer Clare Coriell to blend the insights of two astrological systems: Western and Mayan. The Mayans are most often associated with 2012, but the wisdom of their advanced astrological insights can help you anytime!
Benjamin & Clare's new Mayan/Western "Soul Journey" Astrology Consultation blends his Western astrological insights with her very different but complementary Mayan approach. The Mayans take a galactic perspective, using an ancient medicine wheel system, personal numbers, and Daykeeper spirit guides. These help illuminate your place in the Circle of Life, as well as your soul's unique destiny, path and purpose.
The three-hour Mayan/Western "Soul Path" Consultation is a powerful combination of astrological wisdom that harmoniously blends two potent perspectives. |
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Benjamin to do Live Consultations on Internet Radio April 6
 Benjamin will appear on the "Creating Your Own Reality" internet radio show on Mon., April 6 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 personal astrology questions. They can also join the show's chat room during the show.
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Discounts on Solar Fire & Other Astrolabe Software!
It's All Good Astrology is now an official dealer for Astrolabe Software, which publishes some of the world's best astrology programs for serious students and professionals. Their stellar product  line includes Solar Fire - the world's leading chart calculation software - as well as lots of other great programs like Nova Chartwheels, Jigsaw, Solar Maps, Astracadabra for Windows Mobile and more. And our everyday discount prices will save you money!
Click here to learn more! |
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Benjamin to Speak on Solar Return/Transits/Progressions Connection in Raleigh May 21
Benjamin will lecture on "Integrating Solar Return Themes with Progressions & Transits" on Thurs., May 21 at 7 pm for the Network of Triangle Astrologers (NCGR) in Raleigh, NC.
The Solar Return chart shows the moment, on or near each birthday, when the transiting Sun returns to its exact natal position. This chart shows important energy trends for the next 12 months, as well as optimal life areas to focus on during that time.
Using example charts, Benjamin's lively and informative PowerPoint presentation will show how to uncover and communicate the most critical life themes: the ones being emphasized by both the Solar Return Chart and current transits and progressions.For more information, click here. |
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Who You're Becoming: Progressing Planets & Personal Evolution
by Benjamin Bernstein 
If you want to understand not only who you are, but who you're becoming, then it's time to get cozy with your progressed planets.
Progressed v. Transiting Planets
Progressed planets are different from transiting planets. Transiting (moving) planets appear in their actual sky positions in the chart, and are usually shown outside the natal wheel. But progressed planets creep along at a snail's pace, only moving as far in one year as a transiting planet moves in a day.
For example, the transiting Moon circles the entire horoscope in 28 days. The progressed Moon, however, takes 28 years to make the same orbit! Likewise, the transiting Sun makes a complete 360° orbit of the horoscope each year, while in that same year the progressed Sun moves only one degree.
Natal & Progressed Suns
Looked at from the perspective of the "fixed forever" birth chart, I am and always will be an Aquarius Sun sign. From the perspective of my progressed Sun, however, I started as an Aquarius, spent 30 years as a Pisces, and am now in the midst of my Aries period.
To demonstrate how the slow but steady orbits of the progressed planets mark significant changes in a person's life, let me illustrate how the movement of my progressed Sun (along with a few supporting players) has shaped my destiny. (I am, after all, the person I know best!)
I was born (2/14/1960, 5:15 pm, Norman, OK) with the Sun just past 25° Aquarius. Therefore, my progressed Sun toddled into Pisces when I was four, then meandered into Aries when I was 34. (It will amble along into Taurus when I hit 65).
Progressed Sun in Pisces: Spirituality, Creativity & Fantasy
During my progressed Sun in Pisces period, ages 5 to 35, the thing that I valued most consistently was my membership in the Lotus Center, a meditation school in Oklahoma City. I devoted myself to a guru, and spent nearly 20 years practicing his meditation techniques. I also studied piano, classical guitar and synthesizer, and recorded an album of meditative electronic music.
Through most of this period, I had fantasies of leaving my day job -- I was a foodservice manufacturer's representative -- to become a full-time professional musician. But, alas, Pisces is more about dreaming than doing! Pisces also rules spiritual union and divinely inspired creativity, and these themes were obviously front and center in my life during this time.
Is There a Natal Explanation?
But let's not jump to conclusions. Is there some valid astrological explanation for this other than the progressed Sun being in Pisces? (Along with progressed Venus, who entered Pisces when I was 30?)
If there was a lot of Piscean-flavored energy in my natal chart -- which could show up as planets in Pisces, planets in the 12th House or aspects from Neptune -- that would explain it. But such is not the case: my 12th House is empty, Neptune only makes a strong aspect to one planet, and only Mercury and my South Node are in Pisces. So it would appear that the presence of the progressed Sun (followed by Venus) in Pisces is largely responsible for the spiritual and creative flavor of this period of my life.
Progressed Sun in Aries & Progressed New Moon: Restlessness & Breakaway!
When I was 35, my progressed Sun entered Aries, the sign that rules action and getting things started. Around this time, I began to grow increasingly restless with my materially comfortable but creatively frustrated life. The progressed Sun in Aries was making me itchy and dissatisfied, but it would take something more to actually propel me into action.
That "something more" was a progressed New Moon, the conjunction of the progressed Sun and progressed Moon. This only occurs every 30 years, and marks the beginning of a major new life cycle. And so it was with me: less than four months after my progressed New Moon, I retired from a 15-year career in foodservice sales and left Oklahoma, where I had lived my entire life. My destination was halfway across the country in Asheville, North Carolina, and my intention was to create a full-time career as a touring singer-songwriter.
By the way, I was completely unaware of all these astrological events when they were happening, since I had absolutely no interest in astrology at that time. (Of course, the planets always influence us, whether we know it or not!)
Since leaving the conservative, conformist energy of Oklahoma and moving to liberal, anything-goes Asheville, the energy of my progressed Aries Sun has blossomed. My lifestyle is far more daring and adventurous now, at least compared to my Oklahoma days. Now that I am finally blossoming into the unique person I was born to be -- wherever my progressed Sun wanders, I will always be an Aquarius Sun at my core -- I am discovering and stepping into those leadership roles for which I am suited. (Spirituality is still a major focus in my life, by the way; other planets have progressed into Pisces since the progressed Sun's departure.)
My Story is Your Story
Of course, your progressed planets have influenced the course of your life just as mine have, and will always continue to do so. Gaining insight into where you are on your evolutionary journey -- and how you can consciously come into alignment with it from this point forward -- is only one of the many benefits that astrology has to offer.
I'm glad that I understand my progressed planets. It's very helpful to have a sense of not only who I am, but who I am yet to become!
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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, now in its second year as the #1 astrology podcast on iTunes! 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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April Birthday Discounts!
We offer a 20% discount to anyone booking a consultation during their birthday month!* So if your birthday falls in April, 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!
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* Cannot be combined with other price reduction or sliding scale offers
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Free Astrology Classes!
 That's right -- the new Virtual Astrology Conference site lets you download a growing selection of classes presented by some of the country's best astrology teachers. And these initial offerings are all completely free, with no strings attached. Click here to check it out!
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Next Beginning Astrology Class begins April 27
Benjamin's next Online Beginning Astrology Class runs for six weeks on Monday nights from April 27 thru June 1, 8-10 pm US eastern time. You'll learn about modes, elements, planets, signs, houses, aspects, chart integration and more - everything you need to start interpreting natal charts!
You get 12 hours of live, interactive online instruction for only $125 -- satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. And you can try the first class absolutely free -- you pay for the series only if you continue.
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.
Here's an unsolicited testimonial from a student in the most recent Beginning Astrology Class:
"I just wanted to tell you how much I'm enjoying class. I'm glad I started with the beginning class despite my previous knowledge. Your structure and approach to astrology has really helped me bring everything I know together in a coherent manner as opposed to the hodgepodge I operated with previously. The homework from Week 2 was incredible in helping me to understand the personal planets and their importance. Also, I wanted to let you know that our textbook is really excellent. I've read a lot of "how to" books on astrology, but I gotta say that combined with your class, I've really turned a corner in understanding the bigger picture of how astrology works."
-- Paul Arellano
Vista, CA
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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Online Mentoring Class Now Enrolling!
 Experience the joy of increasing your astrological expertise in an intimate small-group setting! Benjamin is offering Online Astrology Mentoring Classes on Thursday nights. And tuition is just $15 per class!
Enrollment is now open for the months starting April 2 & May 7. For more information, please visit the Classes Page.
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Next Online Transits & Progressions Class Starts June 22
You'll learn
how to give empowering explanations of the most important moving energies used by professional
astrologers: transits and secondary progressions. Concepts will be primarily
taught by examining students' current transits and progressions. You get 12 hours of live,
lively, interactive online
instruction for just $150 --
satisfaction guaranteed or your money back!
PREREQUISITES: Students must already have a basic
understanding of natal planets, signs, houses and aspects. (Students who have
completed Benjamin's Beginning Astrology Class are welcome.)
SPECIAL OFFER: Try
the first class free -- no strings attached -- and then decide if you want to
continue!
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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Celestial Forecast for April 2009
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. Learn more about working with void-of-course Moons here.
4/1, 5:03a - 12:31p (Cancer)
4/3, 4:59a - 3:33p (Leo)
4/5, 11:39a - 7:02p (Virgo)
4/7, 12:53p - 11:23p (Libra)
4/9, 9:46p - 4/10, 5:24a (Scorpio)
4/12, 1:29p - 2:01p (Sagittarius)
4/15, 12:08a - 1:28a (Capricorn)
4/17, 12:42p - 2:20p (Aquarius)
4/19, 6:45p - 4/20, 1:56a (Pisces)
4/22, 9:45a - 10:09a (Aries)
4/24, 8:12a - 2:47p (Taurus)
4/26, 11:42a - 5:03p (Gemini)
4/28, 12:23p - 6:39p (Cancer)
4/30, 6:30p - 8:56p (Leo)
THE STORY SO FAR: As April opens, Venus and Saturn are retrograde, and there are STELLIUMS (three or more planets in a sign) in Aquarius (North Node, Jupiter, Chiron & Neptune) and Aries (Venus, the Sun and Mercury).
4/2 (Thu). With Mercury in Aries, your desire to communicate new possibilities may be urgent and enthusiastic. With Mercury quincunx Saturn, however, be sure to phrase your ideas carefully so that those of a more conservative bent are able to receive them in the best possible light.
4/3 (Fri). Trouble in paradise? With retrograde Venus in detriment and squaring Pluto, rest assured you're not the only one! As hard as it might be, remember that Pluto is doing you a favor by bringing any dysfunctional aspects of your most important relationships into the light. Unless you're in danger, however, it's not yet time to take action on the relationship insights this transit can reveal -- if possible, wait until Venus goes direct on 4/17. In addition, stay alert to a repetition (or resolution) of the issues that come up now when Venus, after turning direct, makes this same square to Pluto again on 5/2.
Of course, challenging energies such as this can also be put to positive use. Consider taking your sexual relationship to a higher plane with tantra, or enjoy a supercharged period of creative expression! In fact, this prescription for spiritual sexuality and creative empowerment is powerfully repeated by today's Mars-Pluto quintile.
4/4 (Sat). The urge to broadcast your thoughts may be overwhelming as Arean Mercury sextiles Jupiter. If a bit of restraint is in order, the discipline made available by today's Mars-Saturn opposition may help you. With Mars in Pisces, it's also a great time to take fresh action (Mars) to bring your dreams and visions (Pisces) into the physical world (Saturn in Virgo). Finally, Mars-Saturn aspects can help your energy burn long and steady!
Pluto begins his annual retrograde today, which will last until 9/11. Outer planet retrogrades are minor factors in the greater astrological scheme, but you can reflect on transformation, wealth and the appropriate use of power if you wish.
4/5 (Sun). Wordsmiths might experience rewarding productivity thanks to today's Mercury-Saturn biquintile. You can also call on Saturn's bedrock stability if you're feeling off balance, due to its quincunx to the Sun.
4/7 (Tue). With Mercury sextile Neptune, set aside some time for daydreaming and fantasizing. Making time to meander in this nebulous space might just open the door for some extraordinary ideas!
4/9 (Thu). Mercury enters Taurus today through April 30. This is a good time to focus on financial issues and concepts about your own self-worth. Peace of mind can be more easily achieved during this period if you spend time in nature and make sure that you're giving your body sufficient nurturing, rest and relaxation.
Mercury's sign change brings an end to the Aries stellium that started 3/25.
The April FULL MOON occurs today at 10:55 AM at 20° Libra. This is a good time to take stock of your relationships and creative output, and review any agreements or contracts that need your attention.
This Full Moon's aspects are mostly harmonious, with a tight trine from Jupiter and looser trines from Neptune and Chiron. Jupiter may well lend a sense of new hope to relationships, whereas Neptune may be sprinkling some fairy dust! But while the master of illusion might be preventing you from seeing things as they really are, he can also be responsive to your affirmations and visions. Chiron's energy also opens the door to healing possibilities in your relationships. Finally, the Full Moon's quincunx to Mars pumps in energy, drive and courage to help you make whatever relationship adjustments are needed.
The Sabian Symbol for this Full Moon is, "A rabbi performing his duties." Given the context of this Full Moon, this symbol suggests viewing your important relationships (or creative projects) in a sacred context, and making sure that you're regularly doing your part to keep them strong and healthy.
Click here for the rest of the April forecast.
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April 2009
