Greetings!
Welcome to your weekly edition of the It's All Good Astrology News.
In addition to information on the coming week's most important celestial energies, I'm also including an astrological analysis of Michael Jackson (my monthly feature article) and information on our affordable by-the-minute consultations.
Enjoy the issue, and thanks as always for subscribing!
-- Benjamin
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The Astrology of
Michael Jackson
by Benjamin Bernstein
The recent unexpected death of Michael Jackson has touched many of us deeply. His recent years of scandal and strangeness seem to be forgotten as we collectively remember the paradigm-shifting creativity he brought to the world with his music, dancing, humanitarian efforts and more.
Thus, it seems like the perfect time to look at how Michael's astrology chart shaped his life. And don't worry if you're not conversant in the language of astrology - just as I do with my clients, I'll translate everything into plain English as we go along.
I also discussed Michael's chart on the July 6, 2009 edition of my free "This Week in Astrology" podcast (Part 3 of Episode #119). Please listen to that if you'd like to learn still more about Michael's astrological influences. (Although it's worth nothing that this article contains information that isn't in the podcast.) And, for the record, I did not expose myself to any other astrologers' thoughts about Michael before doing this article or the podcast - I wanted to approach his chart fresh!
Birth data
Michael was born August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana. There is some disagreement about the birth time, but I'm using 10 a.m. and find that it seems to work well. Astrology geeks will want to know that I'm using Porphyry houses.
Virgo Sun conjunct Pluto: Humanitarianism, Sexuality, Wealth & More
Michael's Sun is in Virgo, which showed up in his relentless perfectionism and desire to be of service to those less fortunate. (Wikipedia notes that "Jackson donated and raised millions of dollars for beneficial causes through his Heal the World Foundation, charity singles, and support of 39 charities.") And do you remember "We Are the World," on which he was a co-writer and singer?
For a performer, the 11th House, where Michael's Sun resides, represents his audience. His huge following is shown by the conjunction of Pluto, also in the 11th, to his Sun. Pluto rules things that are massively large, like Michael's fan base!
Pluto also rules great wealth - or, conversely, great poverty. Its conjunction to Michael's Sun in the house of professional income - another way of thinking about the 11th House - made his rise to riches possible, as well as his later financial challenges.
This Sun-Pluto conjunction supercharged Michael's sexual magnetism and charisma, and also created a strong urge toward ongoing self-transformation. This was reflected in his drive for personal growth, musically in his changing styles, and physically as he reshaped his face through plastic surgery.
Pluto also rules the underworld, death, obsession, creepy things and paranoia. This aspect of Pluto definitely showed itself in his "Thriller" video, as well as a number of his songs in which he portrays himself being pursued by sexual predators. (Remember "Billie Jean"?)
Three Planets in Leo: Sign of the Performer
Leo is the sign of the performer, and Michael has three planets there: Mercury, Venus and Uranus. The latter two are closely conjunct: only about three degrees apart.
Venus represents creativity, and Uranus represents that which is unusual, shocking, weird or groundbreaking. Michael's music and dancing embodied all of these qualities at one time or another. And the presence of Venus and Uranus in his 10th House, which rules career and reputation, showed his ability to make a living with his creative gifts.
Venus opposes the planet Chiron in Michael's horoscope. Chiron represents your wounds, so it's no surprise that a lot of Michael's creative output (Venus) was inspired by the psychological wounding he received. Chiron also represents the mentor: by his example, Michael taught creative souls the world over new creative possibilities.
That Pisces Moon: Sensitive, Creative & Addictive
It's said that you need a thick skin to last in showbiz, but that's easier said than done when your Moon is in Pisces! Pisces is all about dissolving boundaries, not erecting them, and the Moon represents your emotions. Thus, Michael was acutely sensitive to the numerous rumors and scandals that dogged his career, and their collective psychic weight sometimes threatened his emotional stability.
But it was that same Pisces Moon that allowed his Muse to gift him with so many creative ideas: Pisces is also the sign of divinely inspired creativity. Plus, his Moon is in his 5th House, which naturally radiates the energy of Leo (the performer, remember?). Leo is also the archetype of the king, which helps explain why he was known as the "King of Pop."
Pisces also rules addiction. With his Moon there, we see a strong temptation to soothe his emotional pain with drugs, which occurred when he developed a serious addiction in the 90's.
Click here to read the rest of this article. |
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Celestial Forecast for July 6-12, 2009
by Benjamin Bernstein
Whatever your sun sign, this forecast will help you choose how to best use the current 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.
7/8, 5:43a - 11:04a (Aquarius)
7/10, 10:17p - 11:44p (Pisces)
7/6 (Mon).
Mars' challenging squares to Neptune and Jupiter are exact today (see
7/5). Mercury's quintile to Saturn can provide inspiration and
productivity to teachers, writers and other communicators, while relationships
adjustments may be required in response to Venus' quincunx to Pluto.
7/7 (Tue).
Today's
LUNAR ECLIPSE
at 5:21 AM at 15° Capricorn is like a Full Moon on steroids; focus on its
themes for six months instead of one. Determine how "full-filled" you are with
your job, career or worldly activities, and make any necessary adjustments
needed to create a more harmonious and stable structure. (This Capricornian
theme is reinforced by the fact that Saturn, Capricorn's ruler, is
making a harmonious trine to the Full Moon.) This eclipse's Sabian
Symbol, "School grounds filled with boys and girls in gymnasium suits,"
reminds us that we'll actually be more productive in the long run if we make
time for physical exercise and recreation.
With Mars sextile
Uranus, it's also a good day to translate your intuitive flashes into
immediate action.
7/9 (Thu).
The Full Moon's get-the-work-out vibe gets a boost from today's Sun-Saturn
sextile.
7/10 (Fri).
Peaking today, and lasting all the way thru January, is a chance - courtesy of a
potent
Jupiter-Neptune conjunction
-- to immerse yourself deeply into your spirituality and divinely inspired
creativity. It also wouldn't hurt to get a reality check on important matters,
since this contact can also be a delusion amplifier!
7/11 (Sat).
Today's Mercury-Saturn sextile is great for
focused thinking and writing productivity.
Mars enters Gemini
today thru 8/25, making it easier to take action in the fields of writing,
speaking, teaching and learning.
7/12 (Sun).
Venus' quintile to Uranus makes it easier to receive creative flashes, as
well as helpful relationship insights. (Check out
my article on how to take dictation from your Higher Self if you'd like to learn how to
make yourself more receptive to your inner wisdom!)
Click here for the complete July 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
By subscribing to the It's All Good Astrology News, you are automatically eligible to win free consultations from Benjamin or Spiritsong at every equinox and solstice. That's eight chances per year!
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!
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July 6-12, 2009
