Your Milky Way Horoscope Sept. 1-7, 2013

By Milky Way Maid

The Sun at 9 degrees Virgo trines Pluto in Capricorn at 4:43 am Sunday. Sun as will and Pluto as power will spell a favorable time to select and use a mantra or affirmation to help focus on goals. Intense experiences or feelings may prompt you to make some changes. It's also a good time to tackle things that require a good deal of energy, because your batteries have gotten recharged. It also favors research, digging down for the real story behind the story.

The Sun at 15 degrees Virgo sextiles Jupiter in Cancer at 9:47 am Saturday. A favorable day to be or meet a mentor or counselor. Your confidence and good cheer attract good luck, and doors open. A good time to make positive plans because you can see opportunities. A good time for working with groups, leading others, being interviewed for a job, or just networking.

A New Moon comes at 7:36 am Sept. 5, at 13 degrees 4' of Virgo. There is a tight opposition to Chiron at 11 degrees Pisces, which is a bit worrisome, suggesting health challenges – but a sextile to Jupiter at 14 degrees Cancer lends assistance. Uranus throws a monkey wrench into the works from 11 Aries (inconjunct). Another lineup at 3-7 degrees of the signs also forms: Mars in Leo applies to a square to Saturn in Scorpio (accidents and injuries quite possible); Ceres in Virgo sextiles Saturn and opposes Neptune in Pisces (cut your losses and look to a new harvest two months hence); Juno in Aquarius is opposite Mars and applies to a square to Saturn (partnership breakups possible).

 Please look to the right-hand column on Blogger if you would like these articles translated into Spanish, French, German, Japanese or any other language. Link: http://milky-way-astrology.blogspot.com/

LATE DEGREES – see my popular article on late degrees of all the signs. Link: http://milky-way-astrology.blogspot.com/2008/08/planets-in-late-degrees-what-do-they.html

POPE FRANCIS – I finally posted a little article on the new Pope Francis and also a kind of book review on a book that accidentally talks about ancient astronomy. The article on Pope Francis is here: http://milkywayastrology.wordpress.com/2013/06/02/a-look-at-the-new-pope-franciss-astro-charts/ And the article on the best book that both is and is not about ancient astronomy is here: http://milkywayastrology.wordpress.com/2013/06/02/the-best-book-about-ancient-astronomy-that-isnt-about-astrology-per-se/

GREAT WEBSITES – In no particular order of importance: Check out Astrology.com -- free lessons online. Watch astronomic animations at http://shadowandsubstance.com/. Go to http://www.solarsystemscope.com/ for a view of our solar system and nearby stars. This guy called the correct winner of the 2012 election, and he puts out a monthly column: http://www.howardbeckmanvedicastrologer.com/wordpress/

This guy writes a cool weekly astrology newsletter and sells astro books: Dave at www.astroamerica.com.

Readers can follow not only their Sun sign horoscope but also their Ascendant for further clues to how your week will develop. NOTE: some aspects are exact on a weekend but may find opportunity for expression on the Friday or Monday nearest the exact aspect. Times given are in Eastern Standard or Eastern Daylight Savings Time depending on the season.

ARIES - March 20-April 19 – Monday night favors fun times with the kids. On Tuesday do your mate a favor, possibly by driving the kids to doctor appointments. Uranus in your sign is inconjunct the New Moon on Sept. 6; you may be personally upset by the changes that this transit brings, even tho they may only touch you in a tangential way. Chiron in your solar twelfth house may point up some way in which you are jeopardizing your health; perhaps through overdoing food or drink, or in cheating yourself of enough sleep.

TAURUS - April 20-May 20 – Your mate is not inclined to indulge the family Monday. The family volunteer to help you with tasks on Tuesday. Friends are not interested in your hobbies Wednesday; they may even make hurtful remarks. Ruler Venus has been strong in Libra; perhaps you are more social this month, more inclined to trade favors with your pals. Family arguments may build up to a head late in the week (Mars-Saturn square is exact on Sept. 9).

GEMINI - May 21-June 20 – Work-related communications may be blocked in some way on Monday; maybe a server is down. You may exchange favors with a relative Tuesday. Thursday's New Moon will really challenge your ability to juggle work and family demands. The phone rings off the hook Friday. You work on children's insurance matters on Saturday. Pallas is strong in your finance sector this week; you might buy or sell property or broker deals for others.

CANCER - June 21-July 22 – The Moon is void in Cancer most of Sunday (till it enters Leo). For some, this day may offer an Opportunity Period because a void can operate well in Cancer. Last aspect is a square to Venus (the previous) Saturday night; you might prune your budget, for example. A happy financial surprise may land in your lap at work Monday. You exchange favors with a family member Tuesday. Midday driving (or other travel) on Wednesday can be chaotic. Thursday's New Moon will challenge desires to travel or increase your education.

LEO - July 23-Aug. 22 – The Moon is in Leo from 8:01 pm Sunday till Wednesday morning. Mid-morning Monday has Saturn blocking you, so don't ask for favors at that time. Monday night favors laughs with unusual people. Venus smiles on favors asked just after lunch Tuesday. A Virgo New Moon on Thursday brightens financial prospects, but your harvest may still be two months off. Mars in your sign is energizing, but slow down; Mars will run into a Saturn brick wall on the 9th and you might need to stop!

VIRGO - Aug. 23-Sept. 22 – The Moon is in Virgo from 6:43 am Wednesday till Friday afternoon. Watch for the after-lunch slump Wednesday. You might enjoy a visit to an antiquarian bookshop or museum Wednesday night. Thursday presents a New Moon in your sign, with a favorable sextile to Jupiter boosting your fortunes via friends. Lots of chatter and calls Friday morning.

LIBRA - Sept. 23-Oct. 22 – Have friends to dinner Monday for lots of laughs with your mate joining in. You might exchange favors with friends Tuesday. Work or medical appointments may be scrambled Wednesday. Thursday's New Moon may present a health wake-up call. The Moon is in Libra from 3:12 pm Friday till next Sunday night. Early risers Saturday apply themselves to their goals. Midday is brightened by unusual or humorous guests at lunch. You may be over-emotional at Saturday dinner.

SCORPIO - Oct. 23-Nov. 21 – Try to be open-minded about career offers Monday p.m. Children's schedules are chaotic Wednesday, when appointments might be canceled. Thursday's New Moon presents difficulty when friends are not very supportive of your creative pursuits. On Saturday you struggle privately with computer problems, or possibly challenge yourself with an online course.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov. 22-Dec. 21 – You always yearn for freedom, but Monday your secret yearning for structure bites back. You enjoy time spent with children Monday night. A friend may give you a referral Tuesday. You think your mate's mind is addled Wednesday. The boss cracks the whip mid-week – a theme that is repeated in Thursday's New Moon. Friday's schedule shows lots of meetings and discussion and calls. On Saturday you relax with friends, but keep a rein on personal finances.

CAPRICORN - Dec. 22-Jan. 19 – Arguments over joint finances start off the week, but you can laugh with your mate again Monday night. Look into employer-sponsored insurance plans or discounts Tuesday (ones that you are not taking advantage of). Calls and messages can be garbled Wednesday; get clarification. Thursday's New Moon repeats the theme of making your communications system serve your needs. There is a lot of discussion with vendors Friday over what your specs are.

AQUARIUS - Jan. 20-Feb. 17 – Mid-morning Monday is stressful because you hear the word No. Shopping is fun Monday night. A friend exchanges favors Tuesday. Double-check bills or invoices Wednesday. Thursday's New Moon presents challenges in managing personal and joint finances; that's the theme for the week. You may find some online classes Saturday, though you may not like any of them right away.

PISCES - Feb. 18-March 19 – Going back to school does not appeal to you Monday. Think of a creative gift of time for a dear one on Tuesday. Confusion reigns midday Wednesday, but you may clear things up that evening. Thursday's New Moon will highlight relationship issues; you might feel quite wounded in some way and seek to talk things out Friday. On Saturday you may challenge yourself regarding some creative pursuits. 

Your Milky Way Horoscope Aug. 25-31, 2013

By Milky Way Maid

Lots of aspects this week so some of these notes will be very short.

Mercury in Virgo opposes Neptune in Pisces at 7:13 pm Sunday. Ha, Virgo Mercury wants everything precise and neatly stashed in its place, and Neptune tears thru and makes everything look like a tornado went thru the place. Mercury-Neptune hard aspects make for fuzzy thinking and guesstimates. Or maybe you put something in a perfectly logical place and darn if you can find it later. You may be frustrated by another person who is the Oscar to your Felix.

Venus in Libra opposite Uranus in Aries at 1:56 pm Monday. Just as with the other Venus-Uranus aspects, you may meet unusual folks or foreigners who open your mind a bit to other ways of living and thinking. Might become rather enamored of them but these liaisons are rather short-lived as the other person tends to value their freedom too much to get tied down.

Sun opposite Neptune in Pisces at 9:43 pm Monday. Similar to the Merc-Nep opposition except that you get lost, or the person you were supposed to meet gets lost or calls in sick. Being confused, and having confused information given to you.

Mercury in Virgo sextiles Saturn in Scorpio at 5:45 am Tuesday. This is ideal for not only detailed work but for drawing up detailed plans for the whole week or month. Good for studies in any subject but especially science, ruled by Saturn. Sometimes means saying goodbye to someone, usually for all the socially-acceptable reasons.

Venus in Libra squares Jupiter in Cancer at 5:53 pm Tuesday. Being gluttonous and wasteful, not managing money well – sometimes to the point of bouncing a check. In love matters, can mean longing for someone well above one's social station.

Mars enters Leo at 10:05 pm Tuesday. Mars is very well-placed in Leo, a sign that is noted for courage when the going gets tough. Mars in Leo can be larger than life, a real hero figure. Can make dramatic shows of authority over others, that is, “lording it” over the underlings. A more mature type can use this kingly energy to inspire others to magnificent effort. Has a warmth of expression and an open manner, plus huge drive, that draws others to follow him. Famous people with Mars in Leo include: actor Gregory Peck, comedian and actor Jackie Gleason, President Harry Truman, Eugene McCarthy, actress Helen Hayes, baseball manager Casey Stengel, Willie Mays, talk-show host and game-show mogul Merv Griffin, and architect Le Corbusier.

Mercury trines Pluto in Capricorn at 10:50 am Wednesday. Mercury plus Pluto can mean controlling words, and motivating others could be one manifestation. Also you may deliberately choose an affirmation (power words) to keep you on track for your goals for the month.

The Sun sextiles Saturn at 1:18 am Friday. One feels a sense of pride for what one has accomplished – may or may not be accompanied by any reward or pat on the back.

Mercury sextiles Jupiter in Cancer at 11:10 pm Friday. This aspect is like the Merc-Saturn sextile in that it is helpful in one's studies. Mercury is practical knowledge and Jove is theoretical knowledge, so learning the how-to gets backed up with the underlying principles or with natural laws. Jupiter can also bring luck in word games, etc. as you play along with Wheel of Fortune or the like. It means being optimistic, laughing at oneself, being witty, schmoozing easily with others. 

Please look to the right-hand column on Blogger if you would like these articles translated into Spanish, French, German, Japanese or any other language. Link: http://milky-way-astrology.blogspot.com/

LATE DEGREES – see my popular article on late degrees of all the signs. Link: http://milky-way-astrology.blogspot.com/2008/08/planets-in-late-degrees-what-do-they.html

POPE FRANCIS – I finally posted a little article on the new Pope Francis and also a kind of book review on a book that accidentally talks about ancient astronomy. The article on Pope Francis is here: http://milkywayastrology.wordpress.com/2013/06/02/a-look-at-the-new-pope-franciss-astro-charts/ And the article on the best book that both is and is not about ancient astronomy is here: http://milkywayastrology.wordpress.com/2013/06/02/the-best-book-about-ancient-astronomy-that-isnt-about-astrology-per-se/

GREAT WEBSITES – In no particular order of importance: Check out Astrology.com -- free lessons online. Watch astronomic animations at http://shadowandsubstance.com/. Go to http://www.solarsystemscope.com/ for a view of our solar system and nearby stars. This guy called the correct winner of the 2012 election, and he puts out a monthly column: http://www.howardbeckmanvedicastrologer.com/wordpress/

This guy writes a cool weekly astrology newsletter and sells astro books: Dave at www.astroamerica.com.

Readers can follow not only their Sun sign horoscope but also their Ascendant for further clues to how your week will develop. NOTE: some aspects are exact on a weekend but may find opportunity for expression on the Friday or Monday nearest the exact aspect. Times given are in Eastern Standard or Eastern Daylight Savings Time depending on the season.

ARIES - March 20-April 19 – The Moon is void in Aries from 6 am Sunday till it enters Taurus mid-morning; stick to routine. Mars enters your solar fifth house Tuesday, energizing you to engage in more sports and games; this can also mean a Mars-type person as a romantic interest. Friday may be the best day of the week, when you can enjoy family life in the last days of summer. Family happiness oozes from the pores whether on a picnic lunch or a day trip Saturday.

TAURUS - April 20-May 20 – The Moon is in Taurus from 9:13 am Sunday till Tuesday night. Sunday afternoon looks good for chatting with children or holding an open house. Errands may hold happy surprises for you Monday morning, and even relatives may have a kind word or two. Mars enters your solar fourth house Tuesday which can mean arguments in the home; you can defuse that by using a sense of competition in setting goals for each member of the household. Late Friday favors playing word games of all kinds; go take your shot at party games.

GEMINI - May 21-June 20 – The Moon is in Gemini from 7:08 pm Tuesday till Friday morning. Mars enters your solar third house Tuesday which can mean arguments, but also a taste for debating issues. You are absorbed in mental tasks Wednesday afternoon, but are ready to laugh that evening. The Moon is void all day Thursday so stick to routine matters. Midday Saturday may bring an unexpected financial gift.

CANCER - June 21-July 22 – Mars enters your solar second house Tuesday; you can either be hurt by commissions and other fees or you can profit by collecting commissions and service charges. The Moon is at home in Cancer from 7:33 am Friday thru Saturday. The pm hours Friday receive harmonious rays of inspiration to help you plan how to reach your goals. You may be inexplicably happy midday Saturday, possibly while enjoying a summer day trip or picnic. The Moon goes void about 8 pm Saturday so stick to routine that night.

LEO - July 23-Aug. 22 – Steady effort will bear fruit at work in the early part of the week. A legal judgment could come down Monday in your favor, with a monetary award. Mars enters your sign on Tuesday; you may be impulsive in asserting yourself, but you are generally as good as your word. On Wednesday you are able to persuade someone to see things your way. Saturday you are ecstatically happy to be at your getaway cabin with loved ones.

VIRGO - Aug. 23-Sept. 22 – Expect your best laid plans for Sunday night to be muddled by your mate. A Monday night appointment may fail to show or go to the wrong address. Early Tuesday morning is excellent for planning your week if not your month. Mars enters your solar twelfth house Tuesday night, energizing your private dream with the desire to bring it into reality. Spend good times with dear friends on Saturday.

LIBRA - Sept. 23-Oct. 22 – You may meet a fascinating and unusual person – possibly a foreigner – on Monday. Mars enters your solar eleventh house Tuesday, which is good for team sports in general, but also good for applying one's energies to humanitarian goals. Tuesday night is not good for impulse buying, especially if you have not balanced your checkbook recently. Good news regarding career matters may come on the weekend or just before then.

SCORPIO - Oct. 23-Nov. 21 – Monday night may be a good time to visit galleries or exhibits with friends. Do not initiate legal matters on Tuesday. Mars enters your solar tenth house Tuesday; disputes are possible with authority figures, but usually greater ambition in career matters. Friday afternoon and evening are great for indulging your creative side or in artistic expression. A legal decision on or before the weekend may make you deliriously happy with the result.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov. 22-Dec. 21 – The oppositions to Neptune on Sunday and Monday will confuse and garble things at the workplace, at the corporate level. Mars enters your solar ninth house Tuesday; you may become more ambitious to master a subject – may also get the travel bug. On Wednesday night you enjoy a comedy night out. On Friday you enjoy delving into unknown worlds via reading or personal messages. You will be well satisfied with a tax or insurance decision on or before the weekend.

CAPRICORN - Dec. 22-Jan. 19 - Mars enters your solar eighth house Tuesday, which usually means arguments over taxes, inheritances, or divorce – either yours or a client's. Sometime Wednesday morning write out a specific goal for yourself, preferably a long-term goal, and be specific. Your club may recognize you for the many hours you have contributed to making a success of their fundraiser, etc. on Friday.

AQUARIUS - Jan. 20-Feb. 17 – You may enjoy going to an art gallery or exhibit on Monday night with friends. Mars enters your solar seventh house Tuesday; you can be more confrontational and tell people off, or you can be more assertive. Take some quiet time Wednesday for contemplation. Stick to routine on Thursday. You may sign up for work-related courses Friday to improve productivity. You really appreciate your health and well-being Saturday; perhaps it has improved in the past year and that is something to celebrate.

PISCES - Feb. 18-March 19 – Sunday is one of those times to keep silent if not sure of the facts. It might be best to let someone else drive Monday night. Mars enters your solar sixth house Tuesday; this can bring new tools into your workplace, also more stress and pressure to perform. You enjoy a wonderful dinner buffet that night. Stick to routine on Thursday. Go somewhere that will stimulate your mind on Friday night. On Saturday you will feel your parental heart swell with pride while watching your children at play. 

Using Astrology to Predict the Number of Children One Will Have

by Milky Way Maid

One of the most popular questions in any astrological life reading consultation is how many children one is likely to have.

The best technique I have seen to handle this question is one promoted by prominent astrologer Carol Rushman. We will take a few charts and see how her method works.

The method is as follows:

1- Assuming you have drawn up an accurate birth chart, look to the fifth house of children. Determine the traditional ruler of the sign on the cusp of the fifth house.

Note that we will use the traditional rulers, although in the case of signs that have gained a modern ruling planet with the discovery of more planets in our solar system, we will of course try using the new ruler to see what that yields.

This means that the ruler we will use for Pisces is Jupiter, for Aquarius is Saturn, and for Scorpio is Mars.

2- Determine how many planets that ruler is APPLYING to. For the purposes of this exercise, we use only the classical aspects of conjunction, sextile, square, trine and opposition. Do not count the semi-sextile or inconjunct.

So, for example, if the ruler of the fifth house is Venus at 10 degrees Cancer, and it is applying to a sextile to Mercury in Virgo, a square to Jupiter in Libra, a trine to Pluto in Scorpio, and an opposition to Saturn in Capricorn, then that would mean a potential for four children.

Rushman feels that with the prevalence of birth control and other methods, people may not elect to fulfill the potential for all the children promised in a chart, but the potential is nevertheless there. Another astrologer feels that birth control has little effect on the number of children actually produced, because prevailing economic conditions will have more influence.

3- There is a second system if for some reason it is difficult to make a determination using the first two steps. That is to see how many planets are in the native's fifth house; each planet will in some way represent one of the native's children. Three planets in the fifth? Then probably three kids –potentially. If one has Jupiter in the fifth, then there may be any number of children.

At any rate, this is a very simple system to use, so let's look at a few charts and see how they work.

First up is the chart that started a recent discussion between myself and another astrologer on the subject – for Ringo Starr.

Starr's birth time is given as 12:05 am BST in Liverpool, England on July 7, 1940. This yields a chart with a very late degree of Pisces rising, and Cancer on the cusp of the fifth house. The Moon is also in the fifth house, incidentally, at 4 degrees of Leo. It applies to five planets: a conjunction to Mercury at 5 Leo, squares to Jupiter at 10 Taurus and Saturn at 12 Taurus and Uranus at 24 Taurus, and a sextile to Venus at 29 Gemini. He had three children with wife Maureen before they divorced. He and Barbara Bach decided to remain childless in his second marriage.

This would seem to be a miss, but note that Barbara Bach had two children from her previous marriage. Her children become his whether or not he formally adopts them. Her oldest was only 13 when she married Ringo. Three plus two equals five in my book.

Let's take another public figure. Princess Diana of Wales was born on July 1, 1961 in Sandringham, England at 7:45 pm. This gives 18 Sagittarius rising and the fifth house is Taurus. Ruler Venus is at 24 Taurus, applying to a square to the Moon at 25 Aquarius, and a trine to Saturn at 27 Capricorn. As is well known, she had two boys, William and Harry.

Let us also take the case of a non-celebrity female born Feb. 23, 1949. The ascendant is in the latter half of Sagittarius, making Taurus the fifth-house. The ruler, Venus at 21 Aquarius, makes just one applying trine to Uranus at 26 Gemini. She had just one child before divorcing. Venus makes an applying semi-sextile, but this is not counted in this system.

Let's look at someone where we do not yet know how many children he will ultimately have. Prince William was born at 9:03 pm on June 21, 1981 in London. With an ascendant at 27 Sagittarius, the ruler of the fifth house is lovely Venus at 20 Cancer. Venus applies to a square to Pluto at 21 Libra, and a trine to Uranus at 26 Scorpio. We do not count the inconjunct to Neptune at 23 Sagittarius. Only time will tell if Wills and Kate settle for producing “an heir and a spare.”

People today may choose not to manifest all the potential children in their chart by using various forms of birth control. By the same token, people may have quite a large family if they have Jupiter in the fifth house or strongly connected to the ruler of the fifth house.

Sometimes the fifth house is tenanted by some planets and each one describes each child in some way.

For grandchildren, look to the fifth house of the fifth house – or in other words the ninth house. The ninth house will especially describe the first grandchild. To find descriptions of successive grandchildren, go to the eleventh house for the second grandchild, then the first house for the third grandchild, then the third house, etc for each.

Try this out on people you know and see if it works for you.

To go to the source, read Rushman's book:

"The Art of Predictive Astrology" by Carol Rushman, Llewellyn Publications, 2002, 272 pages including index.  

Your Milky Way Horoscope Aug. 18-24, 2013

By Milky Way Maid

Jupiter at 12 degrees Cancer squares Uranus in Aries at 3:14 am Wednesday. Uranus always wants its freedom, and Jupiter can magnify that urge to an unbearable height. People can become so impatient in general that they hurt personal relationships. Uranus can also be haste, so don't be too hasty in judgments at this time. This aspect is really in effect all month if not longer.

The Sun enters Virgo at 7:02 pm Thursday. Sun in Virgo types like to set themselves up as the ultimate arbiter and critic. They are very good at discrimination, at discovering minute differences between items or performance, but they may not be so hot at judging human potential. The Downside: being stuffy, fault-finding, compulsive, intellectually dry and uninspired, as well as having low self-esteem because they are too aware of their own flaws. The Upside: being detail-oriented, orderly, diligent, and able develop the potentials of others, being supportive of others' growing mastery of a given skill or task.

Sun in Virgo has the charm of being modest and unassuming, although many women have an earthy appeal, too. They are very sensible about their diet and other health habits as a rule, and many of them work in allied health fields as nurses or dieticians or medical-records-keepers. Famous people with Sun in Virgo include: Lyndon Johnson, Henry Ford II, Sophia Loren, Anne Bancroft, Leo Tolstoy, Arnold Palmer, Alan Jay Lerner, Cardinal Richelieu, Claudia Schiffer, Geraldine Ferraro, Angelo Dundee, Vittorio Gassman, Dan Marino, Ed Begley Jr., Warren Burger and Greta Garbo.

Mercury enters its second home in Virgo at 6:37 pm Friday. Mercury is strong in this sign, with very powers of analysis and discrimination. Unfortunately, the Virgo Mercury tends to lump things into black or white, good or bad, acceptable or unacceptable categories. Things have to be perfect, other people have to be perfect, in order to satisfy them – and you know that no person is perfect, we are human after all. They need to see perfection as a process; performance can be shaped towards an ideal held in one's head as the ultimate goal. Virgos are very good at educating others in practical skills and in self-management tools. They often have very quick, skilled fingers so they are good at typing and crafts.

Mercury in Virgo represents pure reason, without any consideration for the human impossibility of perfection. Like Vince Lombardi said, we can never achieve perfection, but if we aim for perfection, we can achieve excellence. Anyway, they are better at dealing with abstractions and theory and practical applications of principles. Famous people with Mercury in Virgo include: pianist Vladimir Horowitz, author Truman Capote, golfer Ben Hogan, architect Eero Saarinen, actress Geraldine Chaplin, and Pope Paul VI.

Venus at 9 degrees Libra squares Pluto in Capricorn at 5:59 am Saturday. Venus and Pluto together can spell a magnificent obsession with a loved one. Thankfully, most people do not get to the extreme stages where couples end up in murder-suicides. This transit allows couples to look deeply into their relationship and into themselves and figure out whether they are better off with each other or without each other. They can then decide to go into couples therapy, or attend an enrichment weekend, or whatever they have to do in order to get right with each other. Often this aspect means a deep fear of being controlled. The relationship needs to change and grow, otherwise it starts to die on the vine. In practical matters, Venus also rules cash and cash flow, so Pluto can either turn off the spigot, or inundate you with a massive windfall. There is the possibility of theft or extortion if one runs a business.

The Sun at 1 degrees Virgo is conjunct Mercury at 4:56 pm Saturday. It is hard to sit still under this transit. One gets busy with one's own agenda, knocking things off the to-do list or shopping or paperwork. There may be a lot of chatter, but not for schmoozing; it's for purposes of getting info so he/she can continue with the agenda or schedule appointments. This is also a key point in the business cycle, so watch what the stock market does on Friday and the Monday after. Friday and Monday may look like two completely different psychologies at work.

Please look to the right-hand column on Blogger if you would like these articles translated into Spanish, French, German, Japanese or any other language. Link: http://milky-way-astrology.blogspot.com/

LATE DEGREES – see my popular article on late degrees of all the signs. Link: http://milky-way-astrology.blogspot.com/2008/08/planets-in-late-degrees-what-do-they.html

POPE FRANCIS – I finally posted a little article on the new Pope Francis and also a kind of book review on a book that accidentally talks about ancient astronomy. The article on Pope Francis is here: http://milkywayastrology.wordpress.com/2013/06/02/a-look-at-the-new-pope-franciss-astro-charts/ And the article on the best book that both is and is not about ancient astronomy is here: http://milkywayastrology.wordpress.com/2013/06/02/the-best-book-about-ancient-astronomy-that-isnt-about-astrology-per-se/

GREAT WEBSITES – In no particular order of importance: Check out Astrology.com -- free lessons online. Watch astronomic animations at http://shadowandsubstance.com/. Go to http://www.solarsystemscope.com/ for a view of our solar system and nearby stars. This guy called the correct winner of the 2012 election, and he puts out a monthly column: http://www.howardbeckmanvedicastrologer.com/wordpress/

This guy writes a cool weekly astrology newsletter and sells astro books: Dave at www.astroamerica.com.

Readers can follow not only their Sun sign horoscope but also their Ascendant for further clues to how your week will develop. NOTE: some aspects are exact on a weekend but may find opportunity for expression on the Friday or Monday nearest the exact aspect. Times given are in Eastern Standard or Eastern Daylight Savings Time depending on the season.

ARIES - March 20-April 19 – Fun times with friends is on the agenda for Monday night. The Moon is in Aries from 3:13 am Friday till next Sunday morning. You feel rather unappreciated and even blocked Friday; try not to trip over your own lip. On Saturday's Venus-Pluto square puts the stress on all relationships, altho you may be able to talk your way back into others' good graces. Mercury and Sun enter your solar sixth house this week; this is really ideal for getting a first-rate, thorough checkup.

TAURUS - April 20-May 20 - Mercury and Sun enter your solar fifth house this week; this kind of assumes that you have been doing some creative writing, because now the editing phase begins. Sunday looks good for getting lots of errands done; rest your tootsies when you get home. Wednesday favors lunch with an older and very special friend. Shopping with a friend looks good for Wednesday night but I hope your pocketbook can stand it. Thursday night favors attending a local sports event – go team!

GEMINI - May 21-June 20 - Mercury and Sun enter your solar fourth house this week; spring cleaning comes a wee bit late for you, but better late than never. Your house and kitchen will never be so clean as it will be this month. Monday night you latch onto a humorous book or magazine at the bookshop. Friday night could be good for a romantic evening, but it is best to avoid talking about work. Saturday's Venus-Pluto square stresses finances; this is not likely to be a lucky weekend for gambles.

CANCER - June 21-July 22 - Mercury and Sun enter your solar third house this week; calls may increase in volume, most of which will be requests for information. Try not to correct other people for errors of grammar or spelling, etc – just enjoy being the paragon of correctness this month. Saturday's Venus-Pluto square stresses all relationships for the cardinal signs; decisions about family expenses can spark arguments.

LEO - July 23-Aug. 22 - Mercury and Sun enter your solar second house this week; it is time to analyze bank statements and invoices with a fine-tooth comb. You might pore through your possessions for chips or other flaws and discard the leavings. Monday night you are in a mood to enjoy comedy, since you love to laugh. Friday night could be rather romantic for a dinner out, if you have primed the pump with sweet nothings earlier in the day.

VIRGO - Aug. 23-Sept. 22 - Mercury and Sun enter your sign this week; you are sure to be the answer man or gal, and have a microphone in your hand to amplify your responses. If you are not comfortable talking off the cuff then make sure to make some note cards. Don't over-extend yourself Sunday. Thursday night Mars lends you extra energy for that big chore; clean out closets or even the garage.

LIBRA - Sept. 23-Oct. 22 - Mercury and Sun enter your solar twelfth house this week; you will most likely spend more time either alone or in some kind of hospital (hopefully as a volunteer or observer rather than as a patient!). You might enroll in a writing workshop or any other type of retreat, or just cocoon in your own hideaway. Saturday's Venus-Pluto square stresses all relationships for the cardinal signs; your family deserves some quality time.

SCORPIO - Oct. 23-Nov. 21 - Mercury and Sun enter your solar eleventh house this week; you may put in more hours at a service organization this month, possibly on teams of volunteers. Just be extra careful to follow directions exactly, because they will be extra persnickety about any mistakes. Wednesday may be your best day this week, with the Moon in compatible Pisces and several easy aspects spread thru the day -- Consult with a mentor over lunch.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov. 22-Dec. 21 - Mercury and Sun enter your solar tenth house this week; management may be especially picky about evaluating performance at work so really push to make sure you are as close to perfection as possible. They may be aiming at cutting out deadwood and so their review of your record becomes even more crucial. Saturday's Venus-Pluto square stresses finances, so have cash reserves if the ATM is out of commission, and don't max out your credit.

CAPRICORN - Dec. 22-Jan. 19 – The Moon is in Capricorn Sunday. Moon opposes Mars in the afternoon, making everyone irritable and emotional; also haste makes for accidents so be especially careful with machinery or while driving. Later, the moon is void so stick to routine. Mercury and Sun enter your solar ninth house this week; look over contracts and other legal papers with a fine-tooth comb for errors and blanks not filled in. If you have submitted a manuscript or term paper, expect to see a lot of corrections.

AQUARIUS - Jan. 20-Feb. 17 – The Moon is in Aquarius from 12:07 am Monday thru Wednesday. Early risers may have pastries for breakfast Monday. You are determined to get things done Monday morning. Changes of plan in the afternoon may work out better than expected. A bit of a tug-of-war all pm Tuesday; you will have to marshal all the facts to make your case. Mercury and Sun enter your solar eighth house this week; keep an eagle eye on insurance fine print and check your bills and investment statements.

PISCES - Feb. 18-March 19 – The Moon is in Pisces from 12:43 am Wednesday till early Friday. Early risers Wednesday need that second cuppa java before trying the commute. You may be pushed into a thankless job midday Wednesday. You're up for a spirited game Thursday night. Mercury and Sun enter your solar seventh house this week; try not to be overly picky about others' appearance and behavior. Saturday's Venus-Pluto squares forces decisions about debt. 

Have Wills and Kate Produced a Daredevil? (chart included)

by Milky Way Maid

Well! The heir to the throne that everyone has been waiting for finally arrived July 22, somewhat overdue. He was a BIG baby, weighing in at 8 pounds, 6 ounces. The official birth-time was given as 4:24 pm, London time, giving baby George a late Scorpio ascendant and a Full Moon chart.

First a note about his given names. He has been dubbed “George Alexander Louis” and will be called His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge.

The internet quickly picked up on the fact that these names coincidentally (?) honor the actors who played the major roles on the old Seinfeld TV series. That is, George Costanza, Jason Alexander, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Will this irreverence offend the Queen? Will the names affect the relationship between the young couple and the Queen?

I like to check first to see if any planets are on late degrees of any signs. Baby George has two, the Sun at 29 degrees of Cancer and the Moon at 28 degrees Capricorn. Late degrees of Cancer can signify a hefty inheritance, or carrying on a family business. Of course the family business in his case is the throne; this might be one signal that George might actually reign one day. [John F. Kennedy had Saturn in a late degree of Cancer, too; his “family business” was politics.] Late degrees of Capricorn helps one in the business world, especially in building up a large business. Maybe this will help him to promote British industry and trade. Interestingly, Princess Diana had Saturn at 27 degrees Capricorn; she was a great boost to the British fashion industry.

[CHART: Baby George in inner wheel. Daddy William in outer wheel.]

Then I like to check also to see if there are planets on critical degrees. [The critical degrees are 0, 13 and 26 of the cardinal signs; 8 and 22 degrees of the fixed signs, and 4 and 17 of the mutable signs.] George has three planets on critical degrees: Mercury at 13 degrees Cancer, Uranus at 12 degrees Aries, and Neptune at 5 degrees Pisces. While the placements of Uranus and Neptune affect many thousands of babies born that week, Mercury is interesting because it just went direct on July 20. I feel that Mercury is stronger due to the fact that it is almost hovering in one spot, even though it is actually moving forward now.

Mutual Reception-- George has Moon and Mars in mutual reception. Mars in Cancer (Mars is in its detriment in Cancer) is exalted in Capricorn; Moon in Capricorn (the Moon is in its fall in Capricorn) is ruler of Cancer. Both planets are weak by natal position, but are strengthened by the mutual reception. There are other and more subtle mutual receptions, created by planets being in a house that they also rule.

Grand Trine-- George has a Grand Trine in water signs, composed of the Jupiter-Mars conjunction in Cancer, Neptune in Pisces, and Saturn in Scorpio. He may be very emotional, yet his intuition could guide him to a deeper knowledge and deeper understanding of life and people. Much will depend on the guidance he receives from those around him.

T-squares-- George has a T-square composed of the Mars-Jupiter conjunction opposite Pluto in Capricorn, square Uranus in Aries. His Sun-Moon opposition is also squared by Saturn, tho it's a bit wide with a 5 degree orb. So there will be many challenges set before him, but I have to say that cardinal signs tend to enjoy a challenge. The drawback is that cardinal signs tend to rush in where fools fear to tread, before they have properly assessed the risk and developed a plan of attack. Let's hope that he is part of a team effort that will shore up his weaknesses.

I am very disturbed by George's chart. I feel that he will be much too rash and invite disaster due to the Mars-Jupiter-Mercury opposed to Pluto. These are in the eighth-second house axis which sometimes denotes a daredevil, someone who thinks he is invincible and immortal and dares the devil to take him. [Evel Knievel and Neil Armstrong have a Moon-Mars opposition across the second-eighth house axis; Armstrong's Mars is late in the first house.]

At any rate, Mars conjunct Jupiter is either a great athlete or a big gambler. With Pluto opposed, he is sure to lose the bet – eventually, anyway. Perhaps when Mars-Jupiter progress to an exact square to Uranus, he may run out of luck.

George does have a wonderful Full Moon opposition in his third and ninth houses, which can indicate intellectual curiosity and even brilliance. He will love to read, and may be a history nut. He may show an intuitive grasp of difficult principles. Where he may have inherited scholastic brilliance will be a mystery, because certainly the rest of the family is astonishingly poorly if expensively educated.

If you use planetary hours, George was born in a Saturn hour. I have not been tracking this kind of thing, so I have no idea of the significance of this factoid. I do know that Queen Elizabeth II has a prominent Saturn in her natal chart, representing the heavy responsibilities of the throne. Could this be another hint that he may one day wear the crown?

AMENDED TO ADD: The best part of his chart is the strong driver of the Sun-Saturn square (even though it is an out-of-sign square from late Cancer to early Scorpio). He will be driven to achieve something with his life and adopt challenges that few could tackle. People with a Sun-Saturn square just keep going in spite of the obstacles. He could really become a famous and accomplished person aside from the fact of being born into the royal family. This square is something that he shares with his father William. William has his Sun-Moon square both Jupiter and Saturn in Libra, and so far he is using it in his search-and-rescue career.  

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For more about planets in late degrees of a sign, please read my popular article here:

http://milky-way-astrology.blogspot.com/2008/08/planets-in-late-degrees-what-do-they.html

Your Milky Way Horoscope Aug. 11-17, 2013

By Milky Way Maid

Mercury at at 5 degrees Leo squares Saturn in Scorpio at 2:05 pm Sunday. There could be some kind of communications block, either people are unwilling to reply just yet, or servers are overloaded or a cell tower goes down. So, not a good day for interviews or sales talks. However, since you are freed of distractions anyway, you may find extra abilities to concentrate on detailed work. With Scorpio involved, that may be surgery, forensic bookkeeping, forensic law, or anything that requires some digging and research.

Mercury at 12 degrees Leo trines Uranus in Aries at 10:11 pm Wednesday. This is one of the days that I recommend for buying mechanical or electronic items, or for installing software. If traveling, go someplace new or unusual; you will be fascinated by everything. Go down to Key West or Piccadilly Circus, someplace where people dress very oddly or have their own idiom. You will enjoy all forms of mental stimulation, whether travel (as mentioned already), attending a class or lecture, reading, doing puzzles, etc. Uranus may deliver one of his brilliant insights. It's a good aspect for enrolling in a course of study especially if it is off the beaten track, something like string theory, Uranian astrology or any other astrology, cats in history, the lore of garden trolls, etc – also a foreign (Uranus) language (Mercury).

Venus enters its second home of Libra at 11:37 am Friday, Venus' day. Venus is more social in Libra than in Taurus, so she seeks out parties and social groups of all kinds. Since Libra is an air sign, she would like her social companions to have like minds, sharing similar tastes, politics, or hobbies. Libra does value peace and harmony, but when she settles for “peace at any price” she only shoots herself in the foot because the relationship suffers from lack of honesty. A mature Venus in Libra is able to focus attention on an injustice, gathers others to her cause, and drives forward to install a fairer resolution. This Venus has a wonderful sense of fair play and lifts all the members of her team to a higher standard.

In personal relationships, Venus in Libra values love as a sacred thing, putting her loved one on a pedestal. You are less interested in the victory (of a game, for example) than in how it was won. Or in how YOU were won – since you believe that the courtship is essential to the eventual happy marriage.

This Venus absolutely requires beautiful surroundings, or she can even become physically ill. Being in a hospital with walls painted a sick green would just make her sicker than when she came in! Is equally sensitive to discord, since argument in the home can also make her ill. She has the sensitivity of an artist to color, form and line. She frequently is a wonderful dancer, like Rita Hayworth. Famous people with Venus in Libra include: Pablo Picasso, Oscar Wilde, Martin Luther, Petula Clark, and Anne-Marie of Greece.

We have a First Quarter Moon on 21 degrees Scorpio, which is directly OPPOSITE the solar eclipse degree of May 9. The time of the quarter moon is 6:56 am Wednesday. Naturally there are some stresses on the quarter moon because by definition the lights are square – however, the square is preceded by a Moon trine Mars an hour earlier and followed by a Moon sextile Venus at 5:30 pm, so we expect that interpersonal differences will be hashed out successfully.

Please look to the right-hand column on Blogger if you would like these articles translated into Spanish, French, German, Japanese or any other language. Link: http://milky-way-astrology.blogspot.com/

LATE DEGREES – see my popular article on late degrees of all the signs. Link: http://milky-way-astrology.blogspot.com/2008/08/planets-in-late-degrees-what-do-they.html

POPE FRANCIS – I finally posted a little article on the new Pope Francis and also a kind of book review on a book that accidentally talks about ancient astronomy. The article on Pope Francis is here: http://milkywayastrology.wordpress.com/2013/06/02/a-look-at-the-new-pope-franciss-astro-charts/ And the article on the best book that both is and is not about ancient astronomy is here: http://milkywayastrology.wordpress.com/2013/06/02/the-best-book-about-ancient-astronomy-that-isnt-about-astrology-per-se/

GREAT WEBSITES – In no particular order of importance: Check out Astrology.com -- free lessons online. Watch astronomic animations at http://shadowandsubstance.com/. Go to http://www.solarsystemscope.com/ for a view of our solar system and nearby stars. This guy called the correct winner of the 2012 election, and he puts out a monthly column: http://www.howardbeckmanvedicastrologer.com/wordpress/

This guy writes a cool weekly astrology newsletter and sells astro books: Dave at www.astroamerica.com.

Readers can follow not only their Sun sign horoscope but also their Ascendant for further clues to how your week will develop. NOTE: some aspects are exact on a weekend but may find opportunity for expression on the Friday or Monday nearest the exact aspect. Times given are in Eastern Standard or Eastern Daylight Savings Time depending on the season.

ARIES - March 20-April 19 – Take a moment at the beginning of the work day Tuesday to repeat affirmations; the day may work out better than you hope. You've got your batteries recharge and revved to go Wednesday morn. A new electronic toy appeals to you Wednesday night. Fun is on the agenda after work Thursday. Venus enters your solar seventh house on Friday; your mate looks better than ever to you, and you treat each other to gifts of time.

TAURUS - April 20-May 20 – Too many interruptions Sunday afternoon keep you from preparing for a dinner party. Stick to routine on Monday. You splurge while out with friends for lunch Tuesday. Networking brings a hot tip Wednesday afternoon. Venus enters your solar sixth house on Friday; you may be able to make your hobby into a paying concern. Let hubby go fishing with his friends Saturday morning, while you enjoy a pool party at home in the afternoon.

GEMINI - May 21-June 20 – Ruler Mercury squares Saturn Sunday, so don't expect immediate replies to your emails. Ruler Mercury makes a trine to Uranus Wednesday night, when you make a good purchase of electronics, or are mentally sharp as a tack. Venus enters your solar fifth house on Friday; this is the best place for a month of lovely romantic prospects. Your money houses are very active Saturday; afternoon looks better for gleaning good advice from a mentor or broker.

CANCER - June 21-July 22 – Pallas and Jupiter conjoin in your sign early in the week; you are the go-to person with the answers and the master technique. They make aspects all week to Juno, Chiron, Uranus, Mercury and Pluto; you may be the one to select the new software or hardware at work Wednesday. Water signs benefit from a mini-vacation midday Tuesday. Venus enters your solar fourth house on Friday; here comes the annual home makeover with new curtains and paint.

LEO - July 23-Aug. 22 – Detailed work with your hands is favored for Sunday afternoon. Your guardian angel may put in some overtime midday Tuesday. Some networking may be productive on Wednesday. Wednesday also favors detailed work with tools. Vesta and Ceres move in lockstep all month in your sign, never conjunct but never far from each other. The two asteroids may bring a very strong creative energy, enhance your love of children and nature, and activate talents for craft-works.

VIRGO - Aug. 23-Sept. 22 – Venus in your sign benefits from a semi-sextile to Ceres this week, bringing luck in gardening as well as all craft work. A tip from a friend on Wednesday can augment your networking list. Ruler Mercury makes a trine to Uranus Wednesday night, when you make a good purchase of electronics, or are mentally sharp as a tack. Venus moves into your solar second house on Friday, enhancing your earning power especially through sales.

LIBRA - Sept. 23-Oct. 22 – The Moon is in Libra from Sunday till Monday afternoon. Early Sunday is quite stressful and it is best to just let everyone do their own thing. Everybody is in a better frame of mind to settle down together after supper and be entertained. On Monday the moon is void till mid-afternoon so stick to routine matters. Venus moves into your sign on Friday; time for a bit of a makeover at the salon, and then shopping for a new blouse or scarf. Juno is still active in your romance sector, so you may yet find Mr or Ms Right.

SCORPIO - Oct. 23-Nov. 21 – The Moon is in Scorpio from 4:18 pm Monday till Wednesday night. You may have difficulty reaching someone by phone Tuesday morning but you may find some words of advice from a senior member of the office team. Midday is golden for dealing with legal or publishing matters. Early risers find ample energy for a morning run Wednesday. Ask a personal favor after work; you may at least be given a lead on who could do a job for you.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov. 22-Dec. 21 – Financial pressures rear their ugly heads Sunday – best not to go shopping. Someone may talk you up Wednesday. The Moon is in Sag from 9:04 pm Wednesday till very late Friday. The head-fuzzies attack again during the Thursday morning commute, so stay alert. A fresh insight could hit right after work, followed by a stream of ideas so keep your notebook open. Midday Friday is lovely for presenting your views. The afternoon has a void moon so stick to routine. Try to wipe out a debt Saturday afternoon.

CAPRICORN - Dec. 22-Jan. 19 – Wednesday afternoon is good for networking. The Moon is in Capricorn from 11:25 pm Friday thru the weekend. Early risers on Saturday really need that second cuppa java. But mid-morn finds you ready to tackle the to-do list. You are very, very focused on your task mid-afternoon, and are probably determined to finish it the same day. Your spouse puts out a very generous spread for dinner, which you find hard to resist. The evening does not favor a night at the comedy club, tho; you prefer just being with family or working on crafts.

AQUARIUS - Jan. 20-Feb. 17 – Juno in Aquarius opposes Mercury in Leo on Tuesday; you are troubled by an outspoken mate, even while you admire his/her guts. Juno is also inconjunct Jupiter, encouraging you to make changes or work out issues through creative outlets. In fact, Juno makes a lot of near aspects in the early part of the week to Chiron, Uranus and Pallas. Ruler Uranus makes a trine to Mercury Wednesday night, when you make a good purchase of electronics, or are mentally sharp as a whip.

PISCES - Feb. 18-March 19 – Your mate may notice something Monday or Tuesday, or have an insight that helps unravel what a health issue is about. Water signs benefit from a mini-vacation midday Tuesday. Venus enters your solar eighth house on Friday; insurance claims may finally be paid, and investing thru others is profitable. Saturday morning favors creative pursuits; the afternoon favors picking the brains of your mentor.