Happy New Year: Full Moon in Cancer 2018

Happy New Year!

The first full moon in 2018 will occur in the nurturing sign of Cancer on 2nd January.  

If you have planets in cardinal signs between 10-12 degrees, then this full moon will trigger those natal planets by conjunction/opposition (Cancer-Capricorn) or square (Aries-Libra)

Four planets (including both malefics) are in dignity (Moon, Mars, Saturn & Neptune), forming a wonderful kite.  You can read more about it at one of my favourite astrologers site: ElsaElsa.  

It is interesting to see that both benefics and malefics are mingling with one another:

Jupiter & Mars in Scorpio; Saturn & Venus in Capricorn, both pairs sextile one another (by sign only).  

Which area of your life is being highlighted by this Cancer full moon?


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Saturn in Capricorn - Timeline

Saturn has ingressed into Capricorn, the sign of its rulership, on 20th December 2017.  The Taskmaster will remain there for 2.5 years.

Saturn is about commitment, consolidation, discipline, stability, maturation, persistence, determination, concentration and endurance.

Where Saturn transits in your chart is the area of your life where you can expect some hard work, challenges, delay, restriction or extra responsibilities.  Check the aspects transiting Saturn will make to your natal planets, especially planets in cardinal signs:  Capricorn (conjunction), Cancer (opposition), Aries and Libra (square).  

Planets in earth signs (Taurus, Virgo) will receive a lovely trine from this transiting Wise Man, who is ready to provide a framework to turn your plans into reality.  

Planets in water signs (Pisces, Scorpio & Cancer) will also be conversing with Saturn amicably via sextiles.   The support is there from the Time Lord for those who would like to manifest their dreams into existence.

Where is transiting Saturn in your chart?  

Timeline

20th Dec 2017 - Saturn enters Capricorn

17th April 2018 - Saturn goes retrograde at 9 degrees

5 September 2018 - Saturn goes direct at 2 degrees

29th April 2019 - Saturn goes retrograde at 20 degrees

17th September 2019 - Saturn goes direct at 13 degrees

22 March 2020 - Saturn enters Aquarius

2nd July 2020 - Saturn re-enters Capricorn

17th December 2020 - Saturn leaves Capricorn

Image courtesy of vectorolie at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Winter Solstice 2017

How was the Winter Solstice for you?  I remember getting messages from concerned friends and students, asking me about this Worst Day in 2017 business.

I told them I don't really believe there's a day that is good or bad for everyone as it really depends on how the transiting planets trigger our natal components.  After all, tragedies happen on a daily basis, right?

Part of the reason for that dire prediction was the Sun-Saturn conjunction.  Admittedly, the word 'Saturn' doesn't immediately activate happy thoughts, but Saturn is in rulership under the sign of the mountain goat so it couldn't be that bad...

You can read more about Sun-Saturn conjunction here.  Jamie Partridge@AstrologyKing,  one of my favourite astrologers around, has a comprehensive library of astrological articles, from natal to transits, fixed stars to horoscopes....

Let me know how the Winter Solstice of 2017 had treated you.  For me, my energy level was definitely not low and I didn't 'feel limited and constrained''.  Mercury was stationed direct at the time, I certainly felt that instead.  In fact, it was one of my best days in 2017.......

How was it for you?  

Image courtesy of farconville at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

VOC diary for the week beginning 5th June 2017

Moon Void of Course Timetable

British Summer Time

Monday 5th June: VOC in Libra from 09:56 to 11:45

Tuesday 6th June: ***************************

Wednesday 7th June: VOC in Scorpio from 01:35 to 23:59
                                                        

Thursday 8th June: ****************************

Friday 9th June: *****************************

Saturday 10th June: VOC in Sagittarius from 07:20 to 12:36
                                

Sunday 11th June: ***************************

Hong Kong Time

Monday 5th June: VOC in Libra from 16:56 to 18:45

Tuesday 6th June: ***************************

Wednesday 7th June: VOC in Scorpio from 08:35
                                                        

Thursday 8th June: VOC in Scorpio ends at 06:59

Friday 9th June: *****************************

Saturday 10th June: VOC in Sagittarius from 014:20 to 19:36
                                

Sunday 11th June: ***************************

Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

VOC diary for the week beginning 6th March 2017

Moon Void of Course Timetable

Greenwich Mean Time

Monday 6th March: VOC in Gemini from 08:21 to 12:54

Tuesday 7th March: ***************************

Wednesday 8th March: VOC in Cancer from 14:59 to 16:45
                                                        

Thursday 9th March: ****************************

Friday 10th March: VOC in Leo from 17:05 to 22:07

Saturday 11th March: *************************
                                

Sunday 12th March: ***************************

Hong Kong Time

Monday 6th March: VOC in Gemini from 16:21 to 20:54

Tuesday 7th March: ***************************

Wednesday 8th March: VOC in Cancer from 22:59
                                                        

Thursday 9th March: VOC in Cancer ends at 00:45

Friday 10th March: **************************

Saturday 11th March: VOC in Leo from 01:05 to 06:07
                                

Sunday 12th March: ***************************

Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

VOC diary for the week beginning 27th February 2017

Moon Void of Course Timetable

Greenwich Mean Time

Monday 27th February: VOC in Pisces from 23:07

Tuesday 28th February: VOC in Pisces ends at 04:51

Wednesday 1st March: ************************
                                                        

Thursday 2nd March: VOC in Aries from 02:18 to 07:42

Friday 3rd March: VOC in Taurus from 15:20

Saturday 4th March: VOC in Taurus ends at 10:05
                                

Sunday 5th March: ***************************

Hong Kong Time

Monday 27th February: ***********************

Tuesday 28th February: VOC in Pisces from 07:07 to 12:51

Wednesday 1st March: ************************
                                                        

Thursday 2nd March: VOC in Aries from 10:18 to 15:42

Friday 3rd March: VOC in Taurus from 23:20

Saturday 4th March: VOC in Taurus ends at 18:05
                                

Sunday 5th March: ***************************

Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

VOC diary for the week beginning 20th February 2017

Moon Void of Course Timetable

Greenwich Mean Time

Monday 20th February: VOC in Sagittarius from 23:36

Tuesday 21st February: VOC in Sagittarius ends at 07:07

Wednesday 22nd February: ************************
                                                        

Thursday 23rd February: VOC in Capricorn from 03:23 to 17:17

Friday 24th February: *****************************

Saturday 25th February: VOC in Aquarius from 18:11
                                

Sunday 26th February: VOC in Aquarius ends at 00:24

Hong Kong Time

Monday 20th February: **************************

Tuesday 21st February: VOC in Sagittarius from 07:36 to 15:07

Wednesday 22nd February: ************************
                                                        

Thursday 23rd February: VOC in Capricorn from 11:23

Friday 24th February: VOC in Capricorn ends at 01:17

Saturday 25th February: ************************
                                

Sunday 26th February: VOC in Aquarius from 02:11 to 08:24

Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

VOC diary for the week beginning 13th February 2017

Moon Void of Course Timetable

Greenwich Mean Time

Monday 13th February: VOC in Virgo from 12:36 to 20:42

Tuesday 14th February: ***************************

Wednesday 15th February: ************************
                                                        

Thursday 16th February: VOC in Libra from 01:53 to 06:40

Friday 17th February: VOC in Scorpio from 19:37

Saturday 18th February: VOC in Scorpio ends at 18:52
                                

Sunday 19th February: ***************************

Hong Kong Time

Monday 13th February: VOC in Virgo from 20:36 

Tuesday 14th February: VOC in Virgo ends 04:42

Wednesday 15th February: ************************
                                                        

Thursday 16th February: VOC in Libra from 09:53 to 14:40

Friday 17th February: ***************************

Saturday 18th February: VOC in Scorpio from 03:37
                                

Sunday 19th February: VOC in Scorpio ends at 02:52

Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

February Eclipses: Leo & Pisces alert!

In the month of February, we have 2 eclipses:

11th February - Lunar Eclipse at 22 degrees Leo

26th February - Solar Eclipse at 8 degrees Pisces

Look in your chart to see which houses will house these eclipses - where are Leo and Pisces in your natal chart?

Do you have planets/angles at 22 degrees Leo/Aquarius?  How about 8 degrees Pisces/Virgo?  (allow an orb of one degree)

Just having the above isn't sufficient to bring about a significant event.  Also look at what the other planets are doing (e.g. Jupiter & Saturn for the traditionally minded astrologers).

Image courtesy of Exsodus at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

VOC diary for the week beginning 6th February 2017

Moon Void of Course Timetable

Greenwich Mean Time

Monday 6th February: VOC in Gemini from 22:53

Tuesday 7th February: VOC in Gemini ends at 07:02

Wednesday 8th February: VOC in Cancer from 21:59
                                                        

Thursday 9th February: VOC in Cancer ends at 09:40

Friday 10th February: ***************************

Saturday 11th February: VOC in Leo from 05:52 to 13:51
                                

Sunday 12th February: ***************************

Hong Kong Time

Monday 6th February: ************************

Tuesday 7th February: VOC in Gemini from 06:53 to 15:02

Wednesday 8th February: *************************
                                                        

Thursday 9th February: VOC in Cancer from 05:59 to 17:40

Friday 10th February: ***************************

Saturday 11th February: VOC in Leo from 13:52 to 21:51
                                

Sunday 12th February: ***************************

Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Is horary an advanced technique?

Just like any students of astrology in modern times, I began my astrological journey with natal analysis.  This was then followed by forecasting techniques.  Finally, I moved onto what were described as advanced techniques:  midpoints, harmonics, synastry, horary, electional, mundane astrology etc.  I had always assumed this is the standard astrological pathway, from foundation to advanced astrology.   Until one day, I came across the following  passage in John Frawley's 'The Horary Textbook' p3:

'Horary was traditionally regarded as being the student's point of entrance to the study of astrology.  One reason for this is that it is much simpler than other branches of astrology, such as natal or mundane.  It thus enables the student to achieve with comparative ease a mastery of the techniques that form the bulk of those used, with greater elaboration, in these other branches.'

My mind completely restructured itself after reading this, as I had always believed natal analysis is the foundation of astrology.  I recall feeling rather lost after studying natal astrology, but everything began to fall into place when I embarked on forecasting techniques.  Suddenly, natal work made more sense to me.  Now I know why - if natal work is the last part the ancients used to assimilate, then no wonder it is a challenge for us moderners to grasp as the starting point!  It is like beginning our education at University level and working our way down to kindergarten.  However, this trend is likely to continue as newcomers are more interested in understanding about themselves rather than in learning about asking horary questions.  At least, that was my intention initially; I was interested in knowing more about myself, but when I encountered traditional astrology and witnessed the power of horary astrology, my loyalty began to wander!

So to answer my original question 'Is horary an advanced technique?' No, it is not an advanced technique per se, as you only need to have a basic grasp of the planets, signs and houses to begin learning it.  However, as with other branches of astrology (and anything else we learn), it can become advanced as we refine our methods.  For me, during the early stage, I found it helpful to have a firm grasp of the essential dignities and debilities, reception and house placements.  Later on, as I became more comfortable with the technique,  I added in fixed stars, the concept of collection and antiscia.  And of course, copious amounts of practice is a necessity.

I have a predominance of planets in earth signs so I like to take things slowly and steadily.  I used to think that horary is one of the last pieces to add to the top of the astrology tower, but now I know otherwise - it can come much earlier, at the discretion of the learner.

VOC diary for the week beginning 30th January 2017

Moon Void of Course Timetable

Greenwich Mean Time

Monday 30th January: ******************************

Tuesday 31st January: VOC in Pisces from 17:35 to 21:46

Wednesday 1st February: ****************************
                                                        

Thursday 2nd February: VOC in Aries from 16:50  

Friday 3rd February: VOC in Aries ends at 01:49  

Saturday 4th February: VOC in Aquarius from 22:41
                                

Sunday 5th February: VOC in Aquarius ends at 04:44

Hong Kong Time

Monday 30th January: VOC in Aquarius ends at 00:10

Tuesday 31st January: ***************************

Wednesday 1st February: VOC in Pisces from 01:35 to 05:46
                                                        

Thursday 2nd February: **************************

Friday 3rd February: VOC in Aries from 00:50 to 09:49

Saturday 4th February: ****************************
                                

Sunday 5th February: VOC in Aquarius from 06:41 to 12:44

Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

New Moon in Aquarius 2017

On 28th January 2017, we have a new moon in Aquarius, which, incidentally, falls on the first day of the Chinese new year.  It is interesting to note that on the first day of the lunar new year, the new moon always falls in the fixed air sign of Aquarius.

Aquarius is ruled by Saturn, a planet which respects tradition.  Being an air sign, Aquarius is about staying focused on your ideas, however weird and out of this world they may be.  There is the tendency to be too fixated on a concept though, so getting a healthy balance is the key.

Where this new moon falls in your chart is the area of your life where you get a chance to start anew.  Try something different.  The new moon's ruler, Saturn, is in mutual reception with Jupiter (Saturn in Jupiter's sign and Jupiter in Saturn's exaltation) and also sextiles one another.  Be realistic (Saturn) and think about what you want to expand on (Jupiter).  It is worth noting that Jupiter is on the fixed star Spica, which indicates success and riches.

Do you have planets in fixed signs at 8 degrees?  If so, those planets/points will get a little tickle from this new moon.  

Which area of your life can do with an injection of fresh and radical ideas, urging you to move beyond the existing borders?

2017 marks the year of the rooster, I wish you all a happy, healthy & prosperous year ahead!

VOC diary for the week beginning 23rd January 2017

Moon Void of Course Timetable

Greenwich Mean Time

Monday 23rd January: ******************************

Tuesday 24th January: VOC in Sagittarius from 17:33 to 22:43

Wednesday 25th January: ****************************
                                                        

Thursday 26th January: *****************************

Friday 27th January: VOC in Capricorn from 07:17 to 08:36

Saturday 28th January: ***************************
                                

Sunday 29th January: VOC in Aquarius from 05:52 to 16:10

Hong Kong Time

Monday 23rd January: ******************************

Tuesday 24th January: *******************************

Wednesday 25th January: VOC in Sagittarius from 01:33 to 06:43
                                                        

Thursday 26th January: *****************************

Friday 27th January: VOC in Capricorn from 15:17 to 16:36

Saturday 28th January: ***************************
                                

Sunday 29th January: VOC in Aquarius from 13:52

Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Journeying into the World of Astrological Houses

This is not a discussion arguing on which house system is great and which is not.  Rather, I just want to share my own thoughts on how I became interested in exploring various house systems and ended up settling on one - one that I didn't expect to end up with at all.

An astrological birth chart is like a map showing a native's potentials and challenges.  It is basic astrology to know that a birth chart is divided into 12 sections, each slice representing an area of life to be experienced on this planet by the native.  I never paid much attention to the computational side of how the sphere is divided up, not until I dabbled into traditional astrology two years ago.

Equal House

I began my formal astrological journey with the FAS, where the Equal House system was introduced to me. It is a simple yet elegant way of dividing up the heavens into 12 equal parts, with each house cusp beginning on the same degree.  The simplicity is perfect for beginners.  One of the earliest system used, possibly dating back to the 1st century BC, this method is unaffected by altitude so there is no issue of interception.  The degree of the ascendant marks the degree cusp of all the subsequent house cusps.  This system has been criticised for having the MC falling in the houses other than the 10th, though this in itself can be advantageous as it can add another layer to the interpretation. 

Placidus

As I continued with my astrological journey, I was keen to experiment with other forms of house divisions.  I opted for Placidus, the default system used by almost all the astrological sites online.  This system dates back to the 17th century (devised by the mathematician Placidus de Tito) and is among the popular option in modern time, especially in Europe and US.  Its rise to fame was likely to be attributed to the fact that tables for calculating this system became readily available.  I stayed with this system for the longest time - over a decade.  However, this system is latitude-sensitive and contorts the houses, rendering them unbalanced in size, giving rise to the concept of interception.  This is a quadrant house system, using the MC/IC as the 10th/4th house cusps. 

Koch

I briefly tried out this system as I convinced myself it is healthier to be more experimental and adventurous in seeking alternative views of analysing charts. I am a creature of habit (Moon in Taurus!) and found next to no significant difference between Koch and Placidus when applied to my own chart, so in the end, I abandon this quite quickly - entirely due to my personal preference and nothing to do with the system itself.  This system cannot work near the poles.  

Regiomontanus

Devised by a 15th century astronomer Johannes Muller, aka Regiomontanus, this method is based on the earth's movement around the sun, with reference to the equator and the horizon.  It was used by 'the most abused as well as the most celebrated astrologer of the 17th century' William Lilly, who had phenomenal results applying this system to his horary work.  I began to selectively use Regionmontanus for horary charts only, until I met another system....

Whole sign

As I began my journey into traditional astrology, I came face to face with Whole sign system, which, at first, I was rather suspicious about as it seemed too simple.  I gave it a go anyway, as it was the oldest house system used.  In the end, I found this is the system which works the best for me, my clients, friends and family, from the perspectives of natal, forecasting and horary work.  If whole sign is used, the data collected by Gauquelin would make much more sense too.


There is no right or wrong when it comes to choosing a house system, as each method comes with its pros and cons.  In essence, it's just using different ways of dividing up the firmament.  Instead of blindly defending one system, why not give the others a go and see if there is a hidden treasure within?  

References

http://www.horoscope.com/us/editorial/faqs/editorial-faq-house-systems.aspx

https://astrolibrary.org/astrological-house-systems/

http://darkstarastrology.com/house-system-astrology/

http://www.aquamoonlight.co.uk/systems.html

http://www.skyscript.co.uk/houprob_print.html

http://wiki.astro.com/astrowiki/en/Koch_House_System

VOC diary for the week beginning 16th January 2017

Moon Void of Course Timetable

Greenwich Mean Time

Monday 16th January: ******************************

Tuesday 17th January: VOC in Virgo from 06:09 to 11:15

Wednesday 18th January: ****************************
                                                        

Thursday 19th January: VOC in Libra from 08:54 to 22:09

Friday 20th January: *****************************

Saturday 21st January: ***************************
                                

Sunday 22nd January: VOC in Scorpio from 01:23 to 10:44 

Hong Kong Time

Monday 16th January: ******************************

Tuesday 17th January: VOC in Virgo from 14:09 to 19:15

Wednesday 18th January: ****************************
                                                        

Thursday 19th January: VOC in Libra from 16:54

Friday 20th January: VOC in Libra ends at 06:09

Saturday 21st January: ***************************
                                

Sunday 22nd January: VOC in Scorpio from 09:23 to 18:44 

Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net