At the Lodge - 23rd February 2004

Lodge Lecture | Members' Classes | Charts Discussion

Lodge Lecture

So we reached the final lecture in our trilogy on Synastry. This week it was the turn of Andy Gray who related quotes from Sun Tsu's 2000 year old book 'The Art of War, written in China, ' with placements of planets, starting with the Moon, in the chart.

The quotes indicated how one would act in battles, whether they are in war or in relationships, either at work or personal. He showed patterns of Inner/Inner planets (personal attraction, Outer/Inner (power planning, hidden agenda, manipulation,) Outer/Inner again and then Outer/Outer (covering general and cultural issues.)

Sun in fire will generally have the motivation to succeed in business, so it may better to use Aries as the pathfinder and Leo to continue on.

'We cannot enter into alliances until we are acquainted with the designs of our neighbours'. Whose else is within the relationship (family friends ex-partners etc.) What agendas are being played out. A quote about the nature of water brought forth Moon in Scorpio in the 12th house. He then added a conjunction of Saturn, a square to Jupiter conjunct Pluto.

The battle plans about not leading an army on the march unless you are familiar with the terrain meant that good fighters put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat. Generally Venus will be strong in a General's chart and Mars will be well placed as the will to succeed.

War and relationships are all about strategy.

'Sun Tsu on the Art of War' can be obtained in many forms from Amazon Books by clicking on the link from our website.

Andy Gray is the Secretary of the Astrological Association. A great lecture. Many thanks Andy.

Members' Classes

The first class in the series on 'Electional Astrology' given by Peta High saw the room filled to capacity. Obviously a subject close to many hearts. We were lucky enough to get a Basic Guide Line handout. Electional astrology is based on Traditional astrology only. For this purpose Mars and Saturn are Malefics as are the outer planets mainly, (though Saturn can be looked at as the planet of commitment). Applying aspects are very important (for good or evil) and remember that the chart lives on so you have to look out for difficult contacts in the future.

This week Peta looked at wedding charts. Whether it involves weddings, business or other events you first have to look at the charts of the people involved.

The 'musts' on any event are (1) a waxing moon, (so this rules out half the time available.), (2) Have the significator of the event (Venus in a marriage chart and Mercury in business etc.) well aspected - ideally in good aspect to the Sun and/or Moon.

Although you would like to have the longest window of opportunity for anything you are planning, generally that kind of choice is limited when it comes to a wedding so you are looking for damage limitation for the period of time. So look at the time in question, look at things in advance, look at the energies of the people involved.

Check for periods of waning Moon, retrograde planets, and any big configuration of square and T squares. Capricorn, Scorpio or Aquarius rising or the Moon in these signs are not good. If it is a significator of the thing in question then look again. Elect a composite chart for a wedding or business too. Finally check for transits progressions and eclipses for moving on. More next week.

Carole West

Charts Discussion

Birthdays this week. We first looked at the chart of Charlotte Church who has just turned 18 years of age -Happy Birthday Charlotte. The first thing we all noticed was Venus in 5th house in its joy and in Pisces, exalted - she is here to celebrate - and boy did she celebrate her birthday. Downside it squares Mars in Sagittarius in the 2nd house which also conjuncts Saturn - which shows that she may never be truly happy with the money she has now come into or she will question any lovers' true motive - herself or her wealth.

Libra rising shows her attractiveness and with Pluto in the first - mass appeal however the south node is here too - self-undoing. Moon on the MC in Leo shows her need for attention - and popularity but in square to the nodes across the first/7th houses - relationships may suffer. Sun close to Jupiter shows she does everything on a grandiose scale

Then we did John Travolta - 50 this week - Cancer rising showing his sensitive nature. A Moon opposition to a 9th house Mercury - which shows an analytical but philosophical mind and also shows his interest in religion (he is a Christian scientologist). This also shows his great adaptability, which is needed for an actor especially as is created a T square with Jupiter, indicating a generosity of spirit. (There was also a mutual reception between Mercury/Jupiter) and may show his interest in being a pilot. Venus squaring Mars may show having to work hard at relationships.

Next someone did a personal chart and then we looked at the chart of the European Union as of 1st May when many Eastern European countries will be joining. Many opinions on the effect of this were given but we shall wait and see...

Lodge Lecture | Members' Classes | Charts Discussion