Saturn Return Revisited

During the past month I feel as if my life has been turned upside down, and I've been suddenly confronted with a series of expeditious and unexpected events.

There is no doubt that the Saturn Return has struck again.......

Last I checked, which was last week, Saturn had just skimmed past 17 degrees Virgo - which was the placement of my Virgo in my birthchart. This means I was basking under the effects of Saturn directly hitting my birth Saturn during the past few weeks! I fell terribly sick for a whole 3 weeks and could barely sleep a wink. It was terrible, just terrible. I had been sick before, but never before had I felt so sucked out of all reserves of energy. It was one of my weakest moments in life, ever. The feeling was pure helplessness. It's like when you cough and cough and cough, and you're heaving your chest so much that your whole body including your chest, your rib cage and your lower stomach all hurt like hell. It's like when you've done a million sit ups a day or something. (On the good side, I guess my stomach is 'toned'.) During that time I didn't wanna see anyone or eat anything, because my windpipe would get stimulated by the slightest inhalation of air and my throat was itchy at all times. Seriously, even mildly spicy soup made me cough like hell, so all I ate was noodles cooked in chicken broth and unobtrusive sandwiches for the duration of the few weeks. Not being able to consume food freely is the worst ever possible thing that could happen. To eat pleasurably and sleep soundly are the two things I regard as most important in life. Hence it was to my utmost chagrin that both these two aspects were unfulfilled during my bodily ordeal. It was the nightmare of my life. It made me realize that when you are forced to strip down to your bare essential needs, it's health that counts the most. Not anything else, really. Everything else you can more or less control, but a healthy body is something you really can't take for granted; anyone who've got it is truly blessed. From now on, I vow never to inhale anything carcinogenic or vaguely suspect into my lungs ever again. As my faithful Chinese doctor said, 'the lung is the most delicate organ in the body.' So do take good care of it, people.

Health was not the only thing that was under fire. Friendship also took a serious toll. There was a recent falling out with a friend. It was dramatic. Well, I shouldn't blame it all on Saturn Return. But during this time, what is meant to happen will happen. There's no escaping the inevitable during this fateful time. People in your life whom are meant to stay will live through the turmoil and sustain, but those who are meant to play a transient role will fade out eventually. People and places and events are meant to be rather transient during Saturn Return. It's a time for you to learn about what you need and don't need through expedited and intensified experiences and what sustains is what will stay with you for life. At least till the next Saturn Return which is not for another 30 years, in which it will be time again for you to weed out the unnecessary and unwanted in your life. It sounds cruel, this weeding out business, but it actually isn't. Towards the last days of my Saturn Return I've gotten quite used to it now - the transience of life. I've learnt that to hold on to something that's doomed is unhealthy. Tis no wonder that my health also literally suffered during this weeding out process. It's both a physical purging of the body and spiritual purging of the soul.

I've learnt alot through the areas of Health, Relationship, and Work during the past year. I confess that I've had my moments of weakness and wanted to regress.....but on the whole I've encouraged myself to move forward. A friend of mine recently had her 30th birthday, and her life trajectory is very similar to mine in many ways. New country, new career, new boyfriend. (I don't have the latter, although it came sort of close but just fizzled out due to the fact that it was just not meant to be - a classic Saturn Return hallmark that you're suppose to discard what doesn't work; you get it by now.) My 30-year-old friend is not very happy or optimistic about the future. She's not moving forward in confident strides. In a certain way, she's regressing or too stuck in her ways. I'm not gonna say which sign she is, to avoid stereotyping in this instance. But it's a sign that holds on to the past real tight. It's one that wallows in past memories and is reluctant to move on and embrace the new. Comfort-zone oriented. I don't mention the sign because I believe that there is no one such sign that confronts Saturn Return easier or harder. I don't think any astrologer - Stephen Arroyo or anyone else I've read about - have alluded to the difference in reception of different signs. Saturn Return is an objective phenomenon that has to be treated with the same reverence and receptivity for each and every person. There are no exceptions. However, if I were to contribute my opinion, then it's the mutable signs that have an easier time adapting to change, such as the likes of Virgo, Pisces, Gemini and Sagittarius. Although some might say that it may not apply to Pisces, it being water. I'd say the more detached one is, the easier to let go and move on. I seriously hope my friend gets past the psychological obstacles which are holding her back and that she can discard old destructive habits and move forward. It's the only way to go from here, as she's sacrificed so much and left so much behind already. On a more cheerful note, I have another friend who is approaching his 29th year, and he's got it all. New country, new career, new girlfriend. It all looks mighty optimistic to me. He's off to a grand new start after finishing his PhD and is now on his way home to start his new job (and to see his new girlfriend). It is my sincere wish that all members of the Saturn Return Club can have the same optimistic outlook and grand new start as him.

Virgo, Cancer and Scorpio: The Holy Trinity of 'Sense' and 'Sensibility'

Just came back from an excursion to the land of the Scots with two mates from Cambridge. We were one Earth (Virgo) and two Waters (Cancer and Scorpio). The holy trinity of sense and sensibility, as I've just coined us.

The Holy Trinity of Sense and Sensibility embodies the 'sensible' pragmatism of Virgo (Earth) and the 'sensitive' idealism of Cancer and Scorpio (Waters). Pity our Fire (Sagittarius) friend couldn't join; nor could the other Earth-Fire individual (Capricorn-Sagittarius). We are therefore rendered imbalanced in our elemental combination. Having said that, our group had always lacked the Air element anyhow. Surprisingly there aren't any Geminis, Libras or Aquarians I hang out with around here! A far cry from back home in Hong Kong where I kept encountering these Airy individuals and were seriously bereft of my Earthy or Watery kin. Hence I'm not one to complain about the abundance of Earth and Water in my nearest and dearest right now. The Scorpio in question does however, exude a Geminian Ascendant, which supplies the quick-wittedness and resourcefulness that we need on our trip. I suspect (and not just me), that the Cancerian in question also has Air representation in her chart, most likely Gemini as well, due to her friskiness - highly uncharacteristic of the chilled out, retiring Water element. Sociable Gemini cancels out some of her Cancerian shyness I am willing to bet. So far, we'd never know, given her reluctance to divulge her time of birth, with the explanation that she refuses to be 'boxed in' a certain category perhaps due to psychological training. It's worthwhile to note that Jungian psychology drives alot of the theories of famous contemporary astrologers such as Liz Greene, Stephen Arroyo and Howard Sasportas, to name just a few.

Oh well, so the Holy Trinity was quite a success. Earth and Water complement each other perfectly. The Virgo was pleasantly nourished by the emotional bestowments of Cancer and Scorpio. Cancer was very nurturing as usual, and provided excellent hospitality in the physical sense, as we were being hosted by her family in Glasgow. Cancer always tried her best to make sure everyone's needs are taken care of, albeit being a bit stressed out herself because of the need to attain perfection in this realm. On some occasions she was worried that transportation requirements were not met, or that not enough sights had been seen in the motherland. Excessive worrying is a hallmark of Cancer. She reminds me of my other Cancerian mate who resides in London. She's like that too. She tries to accomodate everyone but stresses herself out in the process. I think it would do them good to practice moderation, so as not to build up resentment in the long run. It's a pity to let their kindheartedness get in the way of their personal well being. People appreciate you just the way you are; no need to do extra or compromise your own needs by satisfying others'. There is no perfection, only effort. You try your best, and people will know.

The Scorpio friend I got a chance to know much better during the intense six days of travel. I always labelled her as ethereal, otherwise known as otherworldly. I got to see a more 'worldly' side of her on our sojourn across the Highlands as we braved the perils together, hand in hand. I have a weakness for putting a label on people too rashly. This I owe to the impatience of Virgo. Although it is Earth by nature, it does not exude the gravity of Taurus or the serenity of Capricorn. Virgo is frisky and fidgety thanks to the mercurial nature of it's ruling planet Mercury - which incidentally is also Gemini's ruler. While Mercury and Gemini are a perfect match, it's a mismatch for Virgo; Virgo has the wrong ruler! As the late Linda Goodman constantly forebodes, Virgo has yet to find it's true ruler, Vulcan, who will finally give it the right amount of gusto and fortitude that it needs, that will finally put an end to this nerve-wracking fidgetiness. I have no idea why Virgo has to be imbued with a wrong ruler while Taurus and Capricorn have such suitable ones (sensual Venus and serious Saturn respectively). It's so not fair that we can't be comfortable in our own skins like them.

The Scorpio with a Gemini Ascendant has provided much charm and entertainment throughout the journey. Now I know why people are so drawn to her; it's the magnetism which comes so naturally. When you talk to her, you can feel her intuition brewing. She can feel what you're feeling. It's not phony, while some people keep telling you 'I know how you feel', but you can really feel that she feels with you and for you. The compassion is different from the Cancerian type. Cancer compassion exists on a more mundane level, while Scorpio feeling is more latent and mysterious.....it draws you in. Magic. It's like when I talk to my dad - about substantive personal issues - I can feel him feeling what I feel, in that particular moment. And I feel much better. The soul feels nourished when it is identified with. I suppose that is the ethereal factor that I constantly allude to when speaking of my Scorpio friend. She is ethereal, but not unapproachable. The otherworldiness manifests in her gift of connection with other people.

It is worthwhile to conclude that The Holy Trinity was made up of one Cardinal Sign (Cancer), one Mutable Sign (Virgo) and one Fixed Sign (Scorpio). That's the most ideal case scenario. Cardinal leads, Mutable is the go-between, the communicator, and the Fixed one coordinates and organizes. Considering the circumstances, it is fair enough that the Cancerian leader is the one who is hosting the whole expedition, as we are visiting her motherland and she is the one to lead us to our destinations. Scorpio, meanwhile appearing to be a bit day-dreamy, is actually quite organized and thorough in planning her meticulously coordinated outfits for the journey! What with the Scottie hat and highland maiden's outfit for striking a pose on the top of the hills. They always surprise you, these fixed signs (besides Taurus, who is rather consistent in demeanor and action). Scorpio, Leo, Aquarius - they sometimes seem aloof (Leo always a bit flustered), but they're actually very organized, very prepared, in their own sort of way. My mom (Taurus) worries that my dad (Scorpio) does not know the way to drive to somewhere, and he does make wrong turns (and gets fined occasionally), but he always manages to find the way, in his own time, own accord. No need to worry about these folks. They appear otherworldly, but there's no one who knows better during crucial times. You just have to trust that they make the right judgements. The Scorpio friend will come back safe and unscathed (albeit with a few scars and bumps here and there) from her trip to one exotic locale in Central Asia.

Westside, Friday, 5 June

Virgo Men

In all my life, I can say that I've encountered many Virgo men. Lately there have been less since I came to Cambridge though. In fact, I can't think of any......Not even on Facebook. The first thing I look at is birthdays before anything else; not even the juicy pictures can divert my gaze - unless they are super hot, of course. Or hideous.


Virgo men are an interesting breed. I have a special thing for them because my Sun is in Virgo. For women, the guys they are attracted to - according to the classical astrological myth - are the ones who have the same sign as their Sun or Mars (masculine tendencies). For men, it's women who have the same signs as their Moon or Venus (feminine tendencies) that attract them most. Moon stands for emotional needs and maternal instinct, and it is true that psychologically, men often have a special bond with their mothers, and would be inclined to look for women who resemble them in a way. (Oedipal issues aside. Although I do believe that tendencies are experienced on a spectrum, and no one's on the absolute ends of the scale, be it sexuality-wise or whatever. Those who claim to be on the extreme ends are more likely repressed or in denial.) The Sun stands for rationality of Apollonian rigour and all things no-nonsense, pragmatic and unhindered by emotion. In obsolete terms, it stands for the masculine. Remember that classical astrology originated many centuries ago where there was no feminist movement whatsoever, so we must forgive these sexist distinctions. See them as giving us an easy way to memorize otherwise esoteric concepts in astrology.

So, back to Sun and Mars for women when choosing their true loves. According to these rules, then I myself should therefore go for Virgo and Cancer, which are the signs wherein my said 'love planets' lie. I do like Virgo and Cancer, but Cancer more than Virgo though. I'm sure alot of people like Virgo men because they are polite, considerate and down-to-earth. Not overbearing, not too much, not too flirtatious or sleazy. But charming in a service-oriented, practical kind of way. They're very resourceful. If you ask them for help, they'll totally get the job done, and very neatly at that. Somewhat like Scorpio, which is very detailed and very thorough. Except Virgo is more efficient and what I would like to call 'no-nonsense' and worldly (Scorpio is more 'otherworldly' as I like to say.) It depends on your taste really; and the task at hand. For example, if say, I have to book a plane ticket real quick, I'll rely on Virgo. But if say I need to find good-value, swanky hotels in a holiday destination or a fieldwork destination, but am not really on a time limit, then I'll ask Scorpio to do the research for me. The outcome is bound to be perfect. Just the right budget, just the right swankiness, and even more details thrown in that you never thought of yourself, for instance a balcony in your room, free breakfast, or late checkout or something. Thoroughness is what Scorpio is known for.

Virgo, on the other hand, is very neat, very tidy, very exact. It's pretty much a given fact that they are clean freaks and like to look good. However, not good as in 'Libra good' or 'Leo good'. Those are more flashy and more into high-octane glamour. Virgo's look is understated and classical. The Virgo guys I know are all very well-dressed - as in preppy, clean-shaven Polo Ralph Lauren style - and always have impeccable manners and are generally unpretentious and down-to-earth (save for some plantary afflications in their chart, such as a flamboyant Ascendant or a flirtatious Mercury). So what's not to like about them? I would say they're not very manly men. Some might disagree, but if you compared them to say an Aries alpha-male type or a Leo dramatic in-your-face type or a Capricorn or Cancer ultra-traditional patriarchal husband type, or even a Taurean sensual earthy male type, you'll find a Virgo man a bit lacking in masculinity. True that they're seldom controlling and overbearing, and won't not let you hang out with your friends or get super jealous of you talking to other guys or something. Yet, I find them a bit too wishy-washy for my liking. I would say that Virgo men are the most wishy-washy of all the signs. For some reason, Virgo women's wishy-washiness is not mega-annoying compared to Virgo men's. Again, a sexist remark that perhaps women can get away with a certain degree of wishy-washiness. But I don't think so for men. Maybe I haven't been really dominiated by overbearing alpha-males, so I don't yet know how to appreciate the cool and composed nonchalance of Virgo men. Another thing not that appealing about them is their crankiness. Like Cancer, they have their mood swings - owing to the swift changes of the Moon for Cancer - but Virgo crankiness is different. It's like a woman throwing a tantrum. Imagine a girl Virgo complaining about hygiene. There was this Virgo guy who told me off for eating in his car; he literally shouted at me and said the carpet had just been cleaned. I forgot what I was eating, but it was definitely not crisps or anything scandalous. I swear it was like a granola bar or something totally harmless. These are guys who would be slathering on handcream, following anti-bacterial non-liquid handwash; take their dogs or cars to be expertly washed and groomed by specialists; go on South Beach diets or make sure they never skip their twice weekly ashtanga yoga session with the yoga guru from New York. In other words, they are spanking perfect. That explains why I have such a hard timing justifying why I don't like them! I don't know, maybe I would get along with a Virgo guy who's less fussy and more assertive. I just haven't met one yet. Maybe I need to be with an absolute slob to start appreciating the discreet charms of Virgo men.

In Praise of Fire Signs

I used to have a major bias towards Earth and Water signs. I really do love them, and get along with them very well, considering that I am one myself. But there's one thing I really don't like about them - especially those who don't have ANY major Fire or Air influences in their chart. They are so SLUGGISH!!

I have a new concept I derived at, from having dissected a few more birth charts in these past few weeks. It sounds sort of mean, using these as social experiments, but hey, I'm a social scientist, and I investigate human phenomena right? It's embedded inside me; it's in my blood. Ok, so I had the privilege of looking at a few friends' charts, and I found that one of them is predominantly Earth (Taurus) and Water, and the other is Earth (Taurus) and Air. You know how I usually love Taureans, and incidentally, the charts I've been doing these days have been Taurus and Cancer (probably because it's Taurus month and I see it a good b'day present to do birth charts for these people.) Anyway, both of them lack Fire, which means they lack initiative. Fire is usually known as brash and impetuous and too haphazard for their own good. But it also has high drive and high initiative to kick-start things. Fire represents leadership and the courage to delve head-first into unknown territories. The Lion (Leo) in The Wizard of Oz represents couragea and passion; the Ram (Aries) is raw energy and dynamism; the Stallion (Sagittarius) is inspiration. Without these qualities, a person will never succeed, or else at least not ever become an inspirational leader, if that's what they're looking to become.

As much as the Earth/Water individual is reliable, steadfast and kind (Cancerian nurturing capability), he seriously lacks the passion and joie de vivre of Fire, hence his day to day actions are hopelessly slow and unspontaneous. Of course, it depends on what you do. If you like to be stuck in a lab all day doing research and not much else, then fine, your steadfastness and pragmatism will work to your advantage. I for one, do not concur with this sluggishness and tardiness. I can't stand it! I have an Aries Moon for god's sake! I am highly impatient and quick on my toes. I get stuff done and I don't believe in slugging about! Plus, tardiness just does not leave a good impression on other people. Who likes someone who is always late?? It's a show of irresponsibility and is just not appealing or 'manly' (sorry for sexist comment, but I believe that men should be fast in getting stuff done and not mucking about.) As for the Earth/Air individual, she's actually highly intelligent and quirky, given the Air influence, which is known for it's mental agility. But somehow, it doesn't translate into concrete action (the poor thing.) The result is that sluggishness again! Those two individuals when put together would never get anything done!

Sorry to be mean folks, as these two individuals are lovely. But Virgo is very results-orientated and I just like to see friends improve themselves. But of course, you may say that I'm anal as hell and a nit-picker, which I am prone to sometimes. But I'm learning to channel more Sagittarian qualities (acceptance and open-mindedness) too, to keep my Virgo critical side in check. And when I feel like shouting at people, I try to channel Virgo diplomacy. But of course it doesn't always work and I offend people anyway.....Oh well, no one's perfect right? ;p

Reconciling Virgo and Sagittarius

It's interesting how someone with Virgo Sun and Sagittarius Ascendant can be so different from someone with the reverse situation - Sagittarius Sun and Virgo Ascendant. Interesting how I met a friend who is my 'reverse'.

On the outset, she is so much more composed and serene (Virgo ASC) than me, and I appear to be more quirky and vivacious (Sag ASC) than her. But when you get to know us, you'll know that actually, she is the more outgoing one (Sag Sun) and I'm the more reserved (Virgo Sun) one! She's always up for fun in the sun (while I'm the one who loves to stay indoors or insists on a parasol), and loves dancing (I only do it when the music is right, which means hip hop), and has a real spontaneous knack for performing such as playing the piano in the middle of a college formal, and bursting into Mando-pop renditions on the spot (that I wouldn't dare). I'd feel those urges, but I don't have the guts to do it. It all stays in my mind. I'm a mental sign - Virgo, ruled by Mercury - but she's essentially a fun-loving Sagittarius, ruled by expansive Jupiter. It's so funny how people sometimes gets our personalities confused. I'm actually the more 'serious' one, while she just has the 'facade' of being serious, but actually has all these quirky thoughts inside her pretty head. Look at the way we dress. You'll get a picture of how we're really like. I'm much more conservative and she's much more audacious in her frock preferences. Her clothes really reflect her real personality. She's bold, sexy and fun. I think she has to unleash that side more - with more conscious effort because boring, old Virgo is impeding her! - and show the world how fun-loving she actually is.

So who has it better? Who has it worse? Who has a harder situation to reconcile? Virgo and Sagittarius are essentially 'square' each other - 4 signs from each other - and are in a 'difficult' or 'challenging' aspect. 'Square' is one of the most challenging aspects, some would say. I find this true. However, I'm in a unique situation, given that I have my ASC in Sagittarius, and a stellium of planets in the 9th House (Sagittarius's House). Hence I have a strong affinity with Sagittarius, and shouldn't feel that strained when reconciling the square aspect with Sun Virgo. However, that friend in question, I contend, must feel more strain than me because she doesn't have that strong affinity with Virgo or Virgoan House (6th) in her chart, so I can imagine she must have quite a hard time dealing with the inner conflict festering inside her all the time. Torn between reservedness and spontaneity; conservativeness and audacity; pessimism and optimism. Some degree of moodiness is inevitable. You would be too if you were stuck in that situation.

So is it better to have the Sun, Ascendant and Moon all in compatible signs? Yes, if you want it easier. But no, if what you're looking for is a more nuanced and colourful lifetime where you have to contend with the challenges of reconciling different personality traits, which come, inevitably with associating with many different types of people and experiences. A life without challenge is not a full one, in my opinion. What's wrong with a bit of inner conflict and reconciliation? What's important is that you know what's going on inside (again, 'the awareness' as I've stressed) and your life will be much easier already.

Sign Compatibility

I was really inspired yesterday at a Taurean friend's birthday party by two things. By now alot of people would have known I have a special affinity with Taurus. I think it all started with my mom being Taurus - and we make the best, ever combination there is. I can't start a day without having talked to her. Sign compatibility in the parental home is very important. Chances are, if you had grown up in a household where you are surrounded by compatible signs, you would become a much more confident, expressive and at-ease-with-yourself individual. We call this very much 'in your element'. I have the privilege of having Taurus + Scorpio parents. We are like the holy trinity, inseparable, comfort zone at it's peak; like living in a fortress, actually. There's good and bad to all things. Growing up in a community like that gives you alot of self-assurance because you were always expertly looked after and you are confident that you deserve the best because you were always given the best. It's breaking out of this comfort zone that's the ultimate challenge.

The same theory applies to boyfriends really. I know someone who would challenge this theory. She thinks I should give others - incompatible signs - a chance. I know, I know, and I have. But it just doesn't work out like that. I recently found out that two of my close friends have Cancerian boyfriends . That's hot. I like that. One of them is Leo and the other is Capricorn-Sagittarius cusp. Cusps are very special people because they have the best of both. (And there are only 5 to 6 days a month that are 'cusp dates' - around 19th to 23rd or 24th - so they are truly rare and special breeds ;p) The Capricorn-Sag one has a very similar chart as mine in that we're both heavily Earth + Fire based. Pragmatic, steadfast and goal-oriented (she has extra hint of ambition, being Capricorn), yet fire gives her the energy, enterprising quality, and initiative to kick-start things as well. She has the qualities to become an inspirational leader; someone who gets things done. The Taurean who just had her birthday is Earth + Air based. This is very different. She's steadfast and practical, but with a lack of fire, she is more sluggish, as we say, and her ideas get stuck in her mind more (Air is a mental sign) and may not get carried out in concrete action. That's a pity because she's so smart.

The inspirational Earth + Fire individual, however, lacks Water in her chart. Even her 'love signs' (Venus and Mars) are in Aquarius - the utterly detached and most unemotional of air signs! The Cancerian boyfriend provides the much needed emotional element; he soothes the draught that is going on there. He helps her become more in touch with her emotions. Oh I almost forgot! Cancer and Capricorn are polar opposites!! No wonder there is so much sexual chemistry between the two. 'Polar opposites' are signs in their compatible elements and share the same axis. They are on opposite ends of the axis, hence are 'polar opposites'. What one is, the other ain't, and vice versa. They either complement each other perfectly, or are an utter disaster because they are so different. That's where the sexual chemistry comes in. The opposites attract thing, yet their 'essences' are compatible! It's different from two people being in completely incompatible elements - they are so different that there's no common language at all. But no, the polar opposite relationship - if you can make it work, it's magical.

I have that thing with Pisces - my opposite. I totally have that attraction with Piscean men. But it's a real challenge to find just the right way of communicating with them. It's either that they find me too unsensitive (Virgo: clinically analytical) or I find them too wishy-washy and vague (Pisces: evasive). I think we really need to find the right balance. We have different ways of showing affection. Virgo is very service-oriented and just wants to help you solve your problems, and Pisces is very sympathetic and just wants to hear kind words (which Virgo totally overlooks at times). There are several instances where I 'offended' them unknowingly because we have such different approaches. I wonder.....if Aries-Pisces cusp just may be better, with firey, brash Aries curbing the hyper-sensitivity of Pisces.

My parents are Taurus-Scorpio opposites, and they are magical. The Capricorn-Cancer couple in question will be like that too, I envision.

The Ninth House

There are 12 Houses in the birthchart, and each rules a different area of life. For instance, the 1st House rules the ego, the self or self-expression. If one were to have their sun or any of the personal planets (moon, mercury, venus, mars) in this house, then self-expression becomes very important to this person at all times, and this person would be a real individualist. House 2 rules money, material possessions, and values, hence someone with a stellium of planets there would prioritize making money or acquiring material goods and creature comforts as a quest in life. And so forth.

I'm not going to go into each and every house in detail, but I must say the houses are my favourite subject in astrology, because they are so 'specific' and telling of which areas one should focus on in one's life. (Virgos love categorizing things!) In order to find out which planets lie in which house, you need to have the exact birth time and place; with the date only, you can find out which sign your moon, venus or mars etc lie in, but you won't know your Ascendant (the sign which kick starts your birthchart and determines which houses your planets are placed). That's definitely not good enough for an in-depth chart interpretation. So I highly recommend you get your exact birth time and place to find out which areas are most important for you in this lifetime. Since you're already here (in this lifetime), you might as well.

You can find out your birthchart here: http://www.astro.com/cgi/ade.cgi?ract=xx687474703a2f2f7777772e617374726f2e636f6d2f6367692f63686172742e6367693f6369643d3b6c616e673d3b676d3d61313b6e686f723d3b6e686f323d3b627479703d323b6d74683d61743b736461793d313b736d6f6e3d353b7379723d323030393b6873793d2d313b7a6f643d3b6f7262703d3b72733d303b6173743d&lang=e&rs=0&btyp=2at

This blog is called The Ninth House because I have a particular affinity with the 9th House, needless to say. I have almost all of my personal planets, including the sun lying there. Actually, as like alot of PhD students at Cambridge which I've come across and had the honour of doing charts for - the majority of them have personal planets in the 9th House. That is truly significant. The 9th House rules philosophy, higher education, publishing, long distance travel, ideals and the higher mind. It is Sagittarius's house, with Jupiter as it's ruling planet, signifying optimism, hopes and ideals, spiritual growth and the love of freedom! PhD students nonetheless exude all of these qualities and are forever intellectually curious and share a penchant for higher learning and horizon broadening. Or else we wouldn't be here right?

I find myself philosophizing about things alot, as a result of the 9th House influence, and I live in my mind alot. The thing I find most satisfying is mulling over substantive issues (I find myself talking about 'values' alot) and discussing them with like-minded peers. I can never just sit there and 'hang out'; I won't be satisfied, I'd feel restless and want to leave. I don't think I can be very compatible with someone who didn't have a strong 9th House influence or wasn't idealistic like me. That is not to say that people with no planets in the 9th House aren't 'profound' or 'spiritual'; they may have many planets on the top half of the chart, ie, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, and be just as complex characters. The bottom half of the chart - starting from the Ascendant at '9 o'clock' and in anti-clockwise direction with 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th Houses - signifies more personal pursuits, such as self-expression, material goods, family, roots, siblings, interpersonal communication, pleasure principles, romance and work etc. People who have alot of planets in these houses are more concerned about manifest or directly personal needs and goals. Whereas people who have more planets in the top half are more into complex issues such as religion, sexuality, spiritual needs, vocation (as opposed to just work), relationship with others (as opposed to romance on a frivolous level), place in society and community etc. You will find a distinct difference when interacting with individuals who are predominantly not on the same 'half' as you. Eg, you may be frustrated when you (a 9th House dweller) talk to a 2nd House dweller about 'ideals' when all they want to do is earn money. Or a 5th House dweller (pleasure-seeker, children-lover, speculation-oriented) might think an 11th House dweller (humanitarian, do-gooder) incredibly dull and too much of a goodie-two-shoes.

I said I wouldn't go into detail about the Houses, but I guess I can't resist. They are just too interesting. So, what does this all have to do about 'love', as suggested on the outset? I think compatibility of life pursuits and orientations. Ultimately you'll have to be with somebody who prioritizes the same things as you. Finding out which houses your loved ones 'occupy' is a useful starting point.

The Saturn Return

The very first topic I want to address is The Saturn Return, because it is very relevant to myself, and to many who are approaching their 28th year or have embarked on it already.



It is one of the most important transits you are going to experience in your lifetime. It's when the planet Saturn completes a full cycle through your birth chart and returns to the place it was when you were born. There is a Saturn Return once every 28-years, which means the First Saturn Return will occur when you are 28, lasting for roughly 2 years until you're 30. The Second Saturn Return will be when you're 58 to 60, and the Third, if you live that long, will be when you're 88 and so on.



This is known to be a very stressful period, and you will find yourself becoming very introspective and questioning everything you've done so far in life. If you're happy with your achievements so far, it is harvest time and you will find yourself reaching higher goals and be on the path to a true vocation in life. If not, then you are in for some major spring cleaning, ie, you will discard everything in your life that's not working and will have to rebuild everything anew. You will start to think about more profound issues, such as where you stand on the world stage and what role you want to play in society. Saturn is a very serious and severe planet (austere Capricorn's ruling sign, and co-ruler of eccentric Aquarius) and puts forth alot of limitations and obstacles. You really need to work hard for your goals to prove that you really want them. Saturn makes you work hard, that's a fact. But, being the Realist of the planets, it also helps puts things into perspective. If things are not working out now, chances are they will get discarded, ie, relationships in particular. For instance, alot of divorces occur during people's 30th year because they got married too early in life and didn't know what they really want. Saturn gives people a reality check, much like a smack in the face, and tells them what they really want or should aspire towards. Some people get married or have children during their 30th year, or get a new job or move on to a new career. 'Change' is the key word, for better or for worse. Even if it were for worse, it can only get better after the worse has gone. Saturn is a very apocalyptic planet much like Pluto in this way. It blasts away all your illusions of grandeur and makes you suffer intensely before it gives you what you want. But you will get it, and the pain will pay off eventually. As renowned astrologer trained in the realm of Jungian psychology, Liz Greene says in her brilliant work, Saturn: A New Look at an Old Devil: 'Saturn. . . is never easy to deal with because his function is that of promoting growth.....and it is only frustration and pain which at present are sufficient goads to get a human being moving." It makes perfect sense to say that one has not fully grown up before one turns 30; one can only be an 'adult' after one has been through Saturn Return.

Take myself for instance, I can testify that Saturn Return is indeed a painful period, having almost completed my cycle at the moment. Right now Saturn is 2 degrees from my birth Saturn (in Virgo), and will probably have moved on to Libra by the end of this year, I reckon, and I will finally be 'free'. I actually first experienced the inklings of Saturn Return towards the end of my 27th year. Some people may feel it earlier or later, depending on the level of evolvement of the person (the awareness) and also the fact that Saturn is a very slow moving planet and always goes retrograde (backward and then forward), hence it's effects come sometimes AFTER it's physical manifestation. During my Saturn Return, I have been propelled towards my vocation, and am in Cambridge doing my PhD now. I wouldn't have worked that hard to get to where I am now if it weren't for the obstacles and limitations that put me deliberately to the test. But yes, only good things will ensue if you have stood the test of the Saturn Return.