A fun spin on serious cosmic stuff! Wendell C. Perry has 40 years experience studying astrology and how it impacts personalities & relationships. He's written two books & published articles in astrology magazines. He's happy to share this website so that you, too, can have fun with astrology to help you in everyday life!
A very long time ago some Babylonian priests were looking at the sky and they noticed that the sun was aligned with a certain group of stars every year at the spring equinox. They noticed that another group of stars aligned with the sun on the summer solstice, and another on the fall equinox and another on the winter solstice. They connected the individual stars in these groups with lines and made pictures out of them. Then they divided sky into sections of thirty degrees, each with its own picture, and called it a zodiac. The main purpose of these pictures in the sky was to mark the passage of the seasons and the increments in between.
Centuries passed and, contrary of all expectations, the pictures in the sky moved. Astrologers in India continued to use these pictures in the sky to determine the location of the signs of the zodiac and, consequently, they developed their own, quite unique system of astrology. But in the west we decided that it was the change in seasons, the equinoxes and the solstices, that were important. The constellations, after all, were intended only to be cosmic markers for these significant, earthly events.
The recent controversy over the difference between the astronomical location of the “signs” and the signs used by astrologer is a spurious regurgitation of this ancient argument. The system of astrology most people know, and the sign of the zodiac you associate with your date of birth, has not changed. It is based on the assumption that Aries begins at the spring equinox, Cancer at summer solstice and so on. In other words, it is a system that is dependent on the time and not on the location of distant constellations.
Details
Mars & Venus Compatibility Test: Kate Middleton & Prince William
Here we have two people who were both born with Mars in Libra. Sharing the same Mars sign is not always a good thing for a sexual relationship but with Libra it works. These two Perfect Lovers share a respect for the process of building a relationship and each needs to feel bonded to another person. And, of course, what could be more fitting for Libra’s idealized standards than a royal wedding.
The Venus signs are more problematic. With Venus in Taurus, William’s Mars in Libra idealism is coupled with a healthy appetite for physical sex that Kate’s Venus in Aquarius will have trouble matching. She is a Capricorn by Sun Sign so she will understand William’s earthy side but she may not always enjoy it. Fortunately, Kate has the Moon in Cancer, as does William (along with his Sun,) so they will be able to provide each other with the cuddlingand emotional support they will both need in their private moments.
Details
Beyond-the-Sun-Sign Term of the Week
The Ascendant
The Ascendant, or Rising Sign, is the sign of the zodiac that is on the horizon at the precise time of your birth. It determines your outer personality, the personality with which you greet, or fend off, the outside world. The Ascendant is the chief reason that many people do not seem to “act” like their Sun Sign. Let’s say you have a Pisces Sun Sign born on March 2nd but with Aries Rising. To the casual observer that person would appear impulsive, direct and adventurous. Only people who knew him or her well would be aware of the emotional and sensitive Pisces side of the person’s nature.
The Ascendant is one of the four angles of the horoscope. Opposite the Ascendant is the Descendant which rules the 7th House of relationships and marriage. The other angles of the horoscope are the Midheaven and the I.C.
Details
Can Astrology Predict the Future?
Astrologers study of cycles. We seek to relate the cyclic patterns of the heavens with events and the people living through them here on Earth. When we apply these cycles individual lives, astrology can be amazingly on target. Important events, the major turning points in our lives, happen just when astrological cycles say they should with such frequency and exactitude that it can be scary even for astrologers. Astrology gives us a wonderful tool for seeing when major events are going to occur. What, however, is a different matter.