Here's the main way Astrology works...

[ricochetastroman]

I know many of you would like to know more about how to read a chart, and I know how daunting it can be in the early stages.
I want to simplify this somewhat for you. I have a class I've been teaching for 52 weeks now, after about 30 weeks, they started to "get it." And that's 2.5 hours/week.

Anyhow.

Translating a natal chart will take you time and study. #1 STOP IDENTIFYING SO much with your Sun sign, you're much more than that.

As far as the transits go, there are 2 major things you have to watch for. Keep in mind that this is greatly simplified.

1. Let's say for example, that your Moon is at 13 degrees of Gemini no matter what your Sun sign is.

It will be greatly affected when transiting planets are around 13 Gemini, 13 Sag (opposition), 13 Virgo or 13 Pisces (square).
Then, you combine the NATURE of the transiting planet with the natal planet, and viola! Depending on what planet is involved, the transiting planet may be 3 or 4 degrees away from being exact too. It doesn't have to be exact.

2. More importantly. Let's say Pluto is sitting around 10 degrees of Virgo. It has started AN ERA WHERE PLUTO IS SQUARING THE NATAL MOON IN GEMINI. Then, this whole 2 or 3 YEAR period (because Pluto travels slowly through the zodiac) will sensitize the natal Moon.
Pluto will symbolize the plutonic need inside of you to overhaul (Pluto) your emotional nature (Moon).

THEN, every time, for example while Pluto is in this range for 2 or 3 years, that transiting Mars, for example piles on to these same degrees, (13 or so of Gemini, Virgo, Sag, or Pisces), look for activity or pressure in the area of this TOPIC - emotional transformation.

I hope that helps, this is so hard to do via typing. I guess I'll need to make a YouTube sometime with a marker board.

[Why Syzygy]

1. Please do that!

ONE area that gets my head spinning is when you add in the Houses to the planets. It's hard enough to combine energies of planets, but then Houses too?

[ricochetastroman]

2. Don't get too involved with that

Get the gist of what the main transiting planets are doing.

1st, you have to know your natal chart, and I'm still learning about mine after 31 years.
2nd, get to know what transits are affecting what
3rd. watch for secondary planets to pile on aspects that are going on ESPECIALLY MARS and full and new moons.

Don't put too much emphasis on the houses. The main things are the 4 angles
1st, ascendant, SELF
4th, nadir, HOME, FAMILY, EMOTIONALY BASIS
7th, descendant, PARTNERS, PUBLIC PERSONA
10th, midheaven, CAREER, SPIRITUAL CALLING

simplify it first, then expand into the houses.

The more you can feel the archetypal meanings of the natal chart, the more you'll understand what the transits indicate.
Study the ARCHETYPES, in other words, the tenth sign Capricorn is a lot like its ruler Saturn and the 10th house.

Just keep pecking away.

[catzies]

10. Still learning about your natal chart after 31 years? Now I don't feel so bad!

:P I'm about 30 years behind you.

I think your idea of a Youtube "classroom" is a great one!!

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. This makes sense

Have you ever considered creating an on-line course? (I'm assuming your class is not virtual; pray forgive me if you are already doing one online). I'm thinking a series of video lectures combined with, perhaps, emails with students to help them understand their particular charts would be marketable.

[ricochetastroman]

4. I have

considered this, it's just so much work. I was a former filmmaker of 10 years and I can't see me doing it half-arsed. I'd have to do it up right. Between my clients and writing the book, I don't have time to develop it.

I'm putting all my marbles in the book now - with my fingers crossed!

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

5. Ah!

Well, please let us know when that book is published!

I for one would like to understand better how these transits interact with my natal chart, and I'm sure your book would be of great help.

[ricochetastroman]

6. This book

won't be about the transits at all, actually, not even about the planets.
It's all about the 12 signs, what really makes them tick and how the whole zodiac is one big spectrum

or so

I'll do what I can in terms of tid bits here. Read thru my old newsletters if you have time, there are good sections in there explaining transits: www.starself.com

be well

[I Have A Dream]

7. Rick, I know that there's a difference between...

transiting Pluto aspecting natal Saturn and transiting Saturn aspecting natal Pluto. However, I don't know what the exact difference is.

As an example, would you be able to describe these two? I think that this would give us a better idea of how it works if we could see the difference between these two?

As always, thank you so much for all that you give here and in the world.

:hug:

[ricochetastroman]

8. Thanks IHAD

Yes a fine difference, funny I was reading about that the other day.

Saturn starting to aspect natal Pluto vs the other way around.

The natal Pluto in your chart indicates an area where you are probably quite strong and may in fact misuse your power. It can indicate great passion and/or out of control obsessions. That's partially up to you and partially, I believe up to your past karma.

Anyhow, when transit Saturn aspects it, it works from within you to try to tame it (Saturn), to control it. You may in fact have authority figures (Saturn) bring you face-to-face with those issues. And, you may even be rewarded for your progress in this area.

The natal Saturn in your chart is an area where you are probably strong, even too strong in your life. An are where you TRY TOO HARD to make sure. This often leads to much fear and too much control because the person simply worries too much about the indicated area. Many, many times this is "inherited" or at least seen as from the "fearful/cautious" parent.
When transiting Pluto aligns with this, it wants you to face your fears, lower your rigid mental constructs (Saturn) and get past the uptightness. Pluto always wants us to get past things by dismantling or destroying the impediment.

Also, since the Saturn area of your natal chart can represent areas of your life that you THINK you've got locked down or can depend upon permanently, Pluto often teaches you that you can't. It's not that PL is mean per se, it's that it always wants you to be strong enough to face anything that is coming. PL is famous for making us do things on our own w/o support. That way it always inspires us to find strength from within.

Hope that helps. :dunce:

[I Have A Dream]

9. Yes, it definitely does help.

Thank you so much for this!

:)