Greetings!
Welcome to the January 17 edition of the It's All Good Astrology News. We have, in addition to the coming week's most important celestial energies:
- My reassurance about the number and validity of signs in Western astrology,
- January birthday discounts,
Enjoy the issue, and thanks as always for subscribing!
-- Benjamin
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Did the Signs Just Change? And are there now 12 or 13?
by Benjamin Bernstein
God bless the astronomers of the Minnesota Planetarium Society (MPS), who just made headlines with information that astrologers have known for millennia.
Incorrect Signs?
The MPS astronomers claim that Western astrology's signs are not accurate, since the moment the Sun actually enters a zodiacal sign is currently several weeks off from the date when Western astrology says that a given Sun Sign begins.
This discrepancy is already common knowledge to any serious student of astrology. It highlights the difference between tropical astrology, as practiced by Western astrologers, and sidereal astrology, whose best-known use is by Vedic astrologers in India and many other countries.
Western astrologers say that the signs change based on earthly seasons. Thus Aries begins on the first day of Spring, and Cancer on the first day of Summer. Libra is timed to start at the onset of Fall, and the Winter Solstice heralds Capricorn.
But sidereal astrology holds that the entry of the Sun into the actual sky constellation marks the initiation of that Sun Sign.
The Procession of the Equinoxes
This divergence is caused by the Procession of the Equinoxes, or progression of astrological ages. Right now, for example, after spending over 2000 years in the Age of Pisces, we have just entered the Age of Aquarius. (The Procession of the Equinoxes runs through the signs in reverse order.) The MPS astronomers correctly state that this is caused by the Moon's gravitational influence, which makes the earth "wobble" very slowly.
Thus, in sidereal/Vedic astrology, over a 26,000-year period, every Sun Sign will eventually start on every single day of the year. And, once every 26,000 years, the Western and Vedic systems will once again agree on the days that the Sun enters the signs -- for a few years, anyway.
Which System is Correct?
Does this mean that one astrological system is right and the other wrong? Not at all. Both the tropical and sidereal astrological systems are based on millennia of careful observation of the synchronicity between planetary alignments and earthly events. Each system uses different methods and techniques, and each works beautifully within its own context. Vedic and western astrologers might say that many of your planets are in different signs, but a competent astrologer using either system would have important and accurate insights to share with you about your life.
13 Signs?
The MPS astronomers also claim that there should be 13 astrological signs, not the 12 currently in popular use. But their 13th sign, Ophuichus, was considered and rejected by the Babylonians, early practitioners of astrology, almost two millennia ago. For many reasons, a 12-sign system describes the cosmic influences more accurately and elegantly than one using 13.
I have done over 3000 astrological consultation, and I constantly ask my clients for verification that my interpretations -- based on the 12 signs of the Western zodiac -- are supported by their own life experience. And, well over 99% of the time, they confirm that my interpretations are accurate. A system based on erroneously calculated signs couldn't possibly yield such consistently accurate results.
Thank You, Astronomers!
The MPS astronomers have done astrology a huge favor by putting it in the world news spotlight. As credible astrologers' rebuttals of the MPS astronomers' misunderstanding hit the media in response to the initial story*, many more people may be prompted to explore the many benefits offered by this ancient blend of art and science.
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* Asheville astrologer Randy Spiers and I helped set the record straight in an evening news story on Asheville's ABC affiliate station WLOS-TV on 1/14/11. I'll let you know once I've posted the video clip to my website!
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Benjamin to Give Interactive Presentation on Shamanic Healing & Shamanic Astrology Today!
Benjamin will offer an interactive presentation featuring shamanic healing and shamanic astrology today -- Saturday, Jan 15, 5-6 pm, at A Dove's Nest, 1410 Mt. Pisgah Hwy (Rt 151), Candler, NC 28715. His presentation will be part of a day-long Sacred Grand Opening Event full of high-vibration presenters from 11 am - 8 pm.
As a group, those attending Benjamin's presentation will receive shamanic "highest need" energy transmissions through him, and will experience benevolent planetary forces being invoked into their bodies. Benjamin will also teach simple and powerful techniques, including his Divine Saturation Snap Meditation, to empower each person to call in divine light and love for their own healing and spiritual awakening.
The Dove's Nest is a "Spiritual Retreat Bed & Breakfast, Vortex Research Academy & Holistic Community Event Center" operated by Aquarian Perspectives.
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On This Week's Podcast...
This Week in Astrology, Episode 194, 1/17/11
Click here
to listen now!
One of the year's biggest astrological events -- Jupiter's entry into Aries -- headlines the week, along with a heavily aspected Full Moon. We'll also look into three Sun events (including its entry into Aquarius), a Venus-Saturn sextile, and a Mercury-Pluto conjunction.
I've received lots of emails from people concerned about whether or not the astrological signs have suddenly changed, and whether there are now 12 or 13 of them. I clarify the situation in this show.
Our Part 1 Listener Chart features Hayley, whose midheaven and North Node are being lit up by this week's Full Moon and the numerous outer planets aspecting it!
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Mark Your Calendar...
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Celestial Forecast for January 17-23
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 here.
1/17, 12:58 pm - 2:30 pm (Cancer) 1/19, 4:27 pm - 5:17 pm (Leo) 1/21, 1:58 pm - 6:12 pm (Virgo) 1/23, 3:08 pm - 7:00 pm (Libra) 1/17 (Mon). Flashes of intuitive insight can assist you in practical matters with the Capricornian Sun sextile Uranus.
1/18 (Tue). Deep thought, research and occult contemplation are well supported with Mercury conjunct Pluto.
1/19 (Wed). The Full Moon at 4:21 PM (29°27' Cancer) may not be as strong as our recent eclipses, but it's still a powerful lunation!
Take stock of how things are going at home, with your family, and in your emotional life in general. Assertiveness and sexuality may also be important themes, since Mars opposes the Moon. With the Moon also receiving a trine from Uranus and a quincunx from Neptune
, stay open to intuitive guidance as you make any necessary adjustments in these areas.
This Full Moon's Sabian Symbol, "A Daughter of The American Revolution," suggests respect for traditions that remain useful, while still embracing the paradigm shifts needed to spring forward. It also suggests that the higher qualities of feminine energy - receptive, sensitive and intuitive - are central to the new reality now coming forward.
Also take advantage of the lovely mix of expansiveness and productivity peaking today, courtesy of a Sun-Jupiter sextile!
1/20 (Thu). The Sun enters Aquarius today, radiating the energy of individuality, uniqueness, genius and humanitarianism.
1/21 (Fri). The creative juice is flowing strong with Venus quintile Neptune. This is also a wonderful energy for connecting with your divine source, and the divine in others.
1/22 (Sat). One of 2011's major astrological events occurs today as Jupiter enters Aries. This energizes a new 12-year cycle as Jupiter begins another journey through the signs.
This is the energy of doors being flung open, new frontiers being pioneered, and fired-up sexuality. This is also ideal for new beginnings in matters ruled by Jupiter, such as religion, philosophy, politics and legal matters. This will last through 6/4, so catch it while it's hot!
1/23 (Sun). Relationships, finances and creativity all receive stabilization from Venus' sextile to Saturn. Venus' quintile to Chiron also makes this a good time to fine-tune these areas, perhaps with assistance from an expert. |
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, one of iTunes' most popular astrology podcasts! Discover how you can make the best use of the current planetary energies while deepening your knowledge of astrology!
Benjamin offers shamanic astrology consultations (experience your planets!) and shamanic healing to both local and long-distance clients.
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Custom-Scheduled Astrology Classes
When you're ready to take your astrological skills to the next level, just email me and specify which class(es) you want to take. Once enough students are interested, I'll contact everyone to get their available days and times.
Available classes are:
* Several people have expressed interest in Beginning Astrology and Transits & Progressions. Be sure to let me know if either of these classes interests you, since they may start soon!
In addition, Mentoring Class and Private Mentoring are always available.
For more information on astrology classes, click here.
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January Birthday Discounts
 We offer a 20% discount off our full rate to anyone booking a consultation during their birthday month!* So if your birthday falls in January, 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.You can contact us using the information at the top of this newsletter.__________________________________________________* Cannot be combined with other price reduction or sliding scale offers
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