SandBoxBlogs: SandBox Astrology "Rhythm and Flow Part One: "The conduit of Mars" "

Part One:
"Have you ever looked at the end of a piece of electrical wire after it has been sliced?  See all those multi-colored wires inside that sheath of rubber or plastic?

One of the theories in the study of Astrology, is that Mars is a conduit that holds the energy of the (4) personal planets.  Which are the Sun, Moon, Mercury and Venus.  Acting as the energy force that you use to propel yourself out into the world in all you do (and) representative of how others perceive the energy you release. 

It is the completed soul, or simply the wizened individual who has learned through the school of their own hard knocks that lives in complete balance at all times within the polarity of how we view ourselves and how others view us.

"What we each personally believe, comes forward from our perceptions throughout our lifetime. What we think we see, becomes what we believe. What we actually see, comes from what we perceive."

For the purposes of this brief post we'll summarize as we go.  Astrological theory considers the Sun in a natal chart as being representative of  the physical self and primarily our male energy.  The Moon is considered to be the feeling nature of the individual (not the emotional nature, that is the turf of Venus) and one's feminine and subconscious tendencies.  Mercury represents our ability to communicate with others and how others perceive what we are communicating.  Venus is representative of our emotional and desire natures.  Our inner child that longs and cravings that are instinctual.

When one analyzes their birth chart, simply working through the fascinating similarities to orthodox and more socially acceptable forms of personality and psychological evaluation, you can obtain great insight into what makes you tick in your world and your relationships.

Those personal energies (Sun, Moon, Mercury and Venus) all manifest themselves outwardly within the energy of your Mars.  Have you ever seen, for example, some big and burly guy who comes across sort of scary?  Yet  was a gentle giant when you interacted with him?  It's all in perception.

Let's do somewhat of a fast hack job on defining the theory of retrograde motion in Astrology.

Those planets in our universe are not perfectly round spheres.  They have canyons, mountains, land mass that is unexplained.  As does Earth, the Luminaries (Sun and Moon). 

They also each have a gravitational pull around our Sun.  Each has its own unique timing, rhythm and flow. 

Remember now, we're doing a quick hack job on the theory of retrogrades.  Basically, the theory comes down to the study of the timing of each planets own individual orbit.  That when the largest land mass meets the closest gravitational pull it can get in its cycle, its orbit slows down.  Once that passage is completed within orbit, the orbit 'speeds up' again.

In Astrological theory, retrograde motion reinforces characteristic of that planet energy that we 'relive' again.  Ever have the feeling like you keep going back over certain things in your life and certain experiences in your relationships?  Well, retrograde motion theory in Astrology has an uncanny tendency to coincide with more orthodox and socially acceptable forms of psych theories.  Such as puberty, mid-life crisis and such.

It takes the Earth just at a year (in human terms) to orbit the Sun.  Takes Mercury a little over a year.  Takes Venus aprx. 1.5 years. Mars aprx. 2 years.

From there, we have  Jupiter at roughly 13 to 14 years to complete orbit around the Sun and Saturn on an aprx. 29 yr. cycle.  Uranus runs roughly 83 to 84 years. Neptune around 171 years or so.  With Pluto at roughly 274 years to fully make one orbit around our Sun.  Of course, the Luminaries stay 'stationary'.

Mercury retrogrades around 3 times per year.  Venus every 1.5 years. Mars every 2 years.  The outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto) bounce back and forth in retro rhythms that can sometimes travel over the same points 3 to 5 times in various retro cycles because they move much slower than the inner planets.

Mars just went through retrograde transit in Virgo.  Next time I post, we'll talk in depth on this energy and what Mars retrograde cycles  have accomplished in world history.  Just as law enforcement, first responders and military pay attention to the rhythm of the Full Moon cycle each month; Mars retrograde has seen some of the biggest blood baths in war time and also harvested some of the most lasting peace.  There's that polarity thing again.

Until next time, stop and think about the choices you made for your life in 1998 and up to around 2001.  Then again in 2004, 2005.  Then more recently, from  Spring 2011 through early holidays 2011.  Recognize any patterns and/or choices that you have revisited from end of 2011 through April 14th when Mars was retrograde in Virgo?

Mars retro is an implosion of energy rather than an outward thrust as it normally is when in direct motion.

Whatever you see in the exercise above, likely either went stagnant in a spinning of wheels type of feeling over the past 4 months as Mars prepped and then moved retro into Virgo (or) whatever repressed you and held you down in that pattern you are mulling over, saw the implosion of 'not having to take it anymore' or the courage to move forward without constraints and fear give you the energy to finally break free.

It will take a few weeks to get fully up to speed again in normal ebb and flow for Mars.

Here's the kicker:

Venus hits her retrograde motion on aprx. May 5th.  Not uncommon but definitely is not a regular occurence for these two energies to co-mingle.

More on the cravings and desires of our emotions in backward motion in my next post.

A.B.

SandBoxBlogs: SandBox Astrology "Announcing our affiliation with Matrix Software"

What are the differences between types of astrological readings and interpretation of the data they give?

The answer is that the differences are too numerous to list.

There are some things however, that do not change as one moves around in the world of astrologers.

You, your biological parents and your time and place of birth.

To calculate your natal (birth) astrological chart (blueprint for the lifetime), one uses mathematical factors of the time of day and the latitude and longitude of the birthplace. 

Even the difference in being born in a hospital on one side of a vast metro area alters your latitude and longitude from a person born on the opposite end of the city.  Or, the difference of a minute or two can alter the degree of planetary movement.

Even if one could justify away those two mathematical factors, there is no one in the world born to the same mother and father as you.

Logically, it is safe to assume then, that the 'disinterested' math calculations needed to achieve a blueprint can be done by computer rather than the old school method of human calculation.  That is an accurate assumption but not without its own unique pitfalls.

There are many different styles, methods and theories in astrology.  What is needed is a math program that one can customize to calculate according to their chosen method or combination of methods.

Matrix Software is the leader in the world of astrological calculation.  A wonderful company relied on by professionals and novices alike.

Where the differences between astrologers lie, is in the interpretation of that 'disinterested' mathematical data.

The best advice anyone who has dabbled in astrology can give you is to take your data,  which is uniquely your own; to a number of interpreters until you find one that fits for you.  Choosing one that will not necessarily just tell you what you think you want to hear, but what really works for you.  There is a very big difference between the two needs.

Why is there an improbability that you birth data may not be uniquely your own, never to be shared with another living soul?

Because it is humanly possible for another person to be born, at the exact same moment in time in the exact same latitude and longitude as you.  What's highly improbable are the odds of that happening.

Further, it is physically impossible for a mother to birth two children at exactly the same moment in time.  One of the reasons I personally feel the most comfortable utilizing a number of branches of astrology when I interpret data, is that I then have the ability to factor in the chosen environment for the lifetime and look at the probability factors of personality traits and environment.

SandBox Astrology announces our partnership with Matrix Software's affiliate marketing program.

Purchasing your personal astrological data by clicking on the banner links on our blog will earn  us a commission on that sale.  All the while you keep your birth data secure and private between yourself and Matrix.  You will also receive interpretations by the excellent astrologers who work with Matrix.  They are very good and my guess is that you will be pleased at the depth given.

As mentioned in an earlier post, I was awakened to the power of astrology well over 20 years ago and evolved into my own unique understandings of  the cyclic rhythm that astrology calculations capture so well. 

I do not believe in using astrology as a predictive tool, though it is possible to do so and sometimes that can be useful. I believe in using ones natal blueprint in concert with ones genetic blueprint and the very hard, deeply private and personal path of looking within. 

We're thrilled, here at SandBoxBlogs, to bring you one of the industry leaders in calculation and interpretation of information that can be so rich with insight for you.

All rights reserved.  Copyright 2010-2012.   A Ray of Light Publishing Company

SandBoxBlogs: SandBox Astrology "Basic Chart Terminology"

The opening of the door into my understanding of astrology was done for me over twenty years ago by a 65 yr. old woman, who lived in a very obscure rural setting in Delta, Colorado.  Barely 5' tall, almost crone like in her features.  Keen, sharp eyes with a wit and finely honed pen to go with.  A no nonsense, no whining attitude on life, Sara.  I loved her so dearly and there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of her.

The 'kind' of astrology I use is uniquely my own and is a mix of many schools of study and thought.  So, as we take a look at some of the terminology and interpretations I will be using, please take the time to read through them even if you are familiar with astrology.

Natal chart
As unique as your biological DNA, your birth chart is like a blueprint for the lifetime.  As though God stopped the heavens for a nano-second and snapped a picture of the heavens and gave you your very own map. The theory is that the chart is the 360 degree circumference of the earth.  Your exact moment of recorded birth, your exact place of birth (latitude and longitude) and your date of birth, provide the numbers for the mathematical calculations to calculate your natal/birth chart. 

And here is where most people begin to get confused.  The natal chart is a fixed energy for you in the lifetime.  But the Universe did not stop at the moment of your birth.  Its universal movement continually transits in a counter-clockwise motion around the earth i.e. your natal chart.  The geometric (just like laying out each shot in a game of billiards) patterns of the universal transits around your earth charts the cycles and rhythms of the lifetime. 

Likewise, the fixed geometric patterns of your fixed energy natal chart have a great deal to say and reveal about how you will react as an individual as those cycles occur in your lifetime. 

Always there are at least these two primary energies of fixed and cyclic transits working in  a rhythm that is unique as your physical DNA.

The Zodiac
The theory of astrology is that the same 360 degree circumference makes up the Zodiac Belt.  Similar to an aura of energy wrapped around the earth.   Divided, for mathematical and interpretation purposes, into 12 equal sections of 30 degrees each.  These sections are known as decanates and the individual degrees from 0 to 30 each have their own unique energy and interpretation.  Those...are very old school astrology teachings. 

Everyone has all the signs of the zodiac in their natal chart.  For example, my Sun is in Pisces.  My Moon in Cancer.  My Mercury and my Venus also in Pisces.  My Mars in Taurus.  These five planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars) are the personal planets and by studying not only the signs of the zodiac they land in, but also the geometric aspects, the degrees they fall in and where they lie in indivdual houses of the chart; we obtain a very clear picture of the individual person.  It's a fascinating and revealing look at yourself.  I encourage anyone to find an astrologer that you feel comfortable with  and study at least this part of your astrological blueprint.

There is a wonderful Allegory by Martin Schulman that does a very good job of interpreting the base energies of each individual sign of the zodiac.

The houses of the chart  
When you look at your natal chart, it looks like a circle.  Remember that the theory is 360 degrees in circumference. That 360 degrees is divided into 12 sections.  Depending on what type of system of calculation your astrologer uses determines whether or not those are equal sections of 30 degrees each (coincides with the 12 zodiac signs that are 30 degrees each (total 360)) (or) unequal in size).  I prefer the unequal house system of math calculations because the houses of the chart refer to various parts and aspects of our lives.  If someone has a great deal of personal work to do on themselves in any of kind of relationship in the lifetime, it stands to reason that the relationship houses will hold a large amount of activity.  When you have your astrological chart read for you a much more clear and personalized view of your house needs in this lifetime will be seen.  For now, below are the basic values each house holds. 

There are broader and more inclusive interpretations of the houses; the following are just the basics:

See the configuration of a 'cross' in the chart example above?  Dividing the chart into (4) quadrants?  Think of the line that runs across the chart at center as the horizon.

Houses 1 through 6 are referred to as "below the earth" and represent the individual and more mundane parts of the lifetime.

Houses 7 through 12 are referred to as "above the earth" and represent where the individual goes out into the world and forms relationships and broader understanding. 

House of the chart are always in opposing polarity.  The polarity of the 1st house is the 7th.  2nd to the 8th.  3rd to the 9th.  4th to the 10th.  5th to the 11th.  6th to the 12th.  Watch and notice how these polarities compliment and polarize each other as you read through the basic interpretations below.  Can you see the exact polarities in the sample chart above?  They may oppose each other but the mathmatical calculations that derive the chart itself will always hold the same amount of space within each polarity.  In other words, the 1st house and the 7th house oppose each other, yet compliment each other by holding yin to yang and the same degree of 'space' to let that yin yang dynamic work itself out.


The 1st house begins at the Ascendant, that degree of the zodiac on the eastern horizon at the time of birth.  The 1st house represents the individual self and where we are independent of others, refers to the physical body and indicates one's manner of self expression, character, abilities, ego temperment, focus of desire and appearance.  Also shows early environment.

The 2nd house refers to how we earn our living, what we as an individual do to bring money and possessions into our lives that we have earned or have worked to earn.  Indicates also our attitude toward money, all types of possessions and also gives some clue as to the career path and how we will go about earning or maintaining those things.  Often referred to as the house of earned income, it also shows much about our value systems and how much value we place on the things we possess.  This is also the house of special karmic relationships.  Karma is not payment for issues from other lifetimes as new age or judgemental philosophies would lead to believe.  Karma is balance.  For every action, there is an equal and just reaction, somewhere in the Universe and transcendant of time as we humans know it.

The 3rd house refers to your immediate environment, neighborhood, town, city or general locale where you live or spend a great deal of your physical time.  This is also the house representing siblings and friends, close relatives and neighbors.  The 3rd house also  refers to mundane communications as well as short trips and general education.  It is also the house of religion and orthodox forms of religious beliefs. 

The 4th house is the home environment, the roots of the soul and representative of the end of the lifetime.  Symbolically, the individual is born into the home and returns back to the home to pass on. Refers to the mother, one's heritage, family background, culture and social background.  Also representative of land, property and real estate.  Notice in the sample chart above that the 4th and 10th house are part of the 'cross' that divides the chart (the soul's DNA in theory) into (4) quadrants.

The 5th house is the house of individual romance and intimate relationships. Also the hosue of children, love affairs, amusements, gambling, pleasure, fortune, speculation and investment.

The 6th house is the home of our everyday affairs, work, routine, co-workers, duties, obligations, responsibilities and the work environment.  This is also the house of health and physical well being.

The 7th house begins the rise of the chart to "above the earth" and is the polarity of the 1st house.  Where the 1st house is the house of individual self, the 7th is the house of marriage, partnerships of all kinds and any time two or more people are engaged in any type of understanding in a relationship or in any kind of contractual manner.  The 7th house is also the house of social and mundane justice, our legal and court systems and human law.  Basically, in any affair of life where one is engaged with another person, the energy is ruled by the 7th house.

The 8th house is the opposite polarity of the 2nd house.  In the 8th, we inherit what we have in tangible ways.  Legacies, goods of the dead, inheritance, possessions or money that we share in any way.  Wills, insurance, trusts, regeneration, corporate funds.  The 8th house is also the home of psychic phenomena, ESP, the occult and any type of sensory impressions.

The 9th house is the polarity of the 3rd house.  The 9th is the home of spiritual understanding, Divine justice, justice on physical,social and legal levels, broader and more all encompassing  forms of communication such as philosophy, higher learning and divine guidance.  This is the house of one's faith and trust in a higher power in our lives.  Values, morals are housed here, whereas character is a 3rd house trait.  The 9th also rules foreign affairs, foreign travel and ethnicity.

The 10th house represents the highest mark the individual makes in the lifetime and it's cusp is known as the "Midheaven" of the chart. It is the polarity of the 4th house which is known as the roots of the soul and our point of origin.  Representative of the career and/or sphere of authority and how we conduct ourselves in the outside world.  We are born into the roots of our soul in the 4th house and we go out into the world and leave our mark in the 10th.  Our ultimate standing at the end of our lives is marked in this house.

The 11th house  is the house of  group relationships, friends, societies, our long range goals and objectives, our wishes, hopes and aspirations and how we set ourselves going about obtaining those through relationships with others. Opposite polarity is the 5th house and the home of one on one intimate relations.

The 12th house  is the natural house of the subconscious mind, mysticism.  Our sorrows, personal anxieties, grief and self undoing that we do not show to just everyone.  This is the house of 'secrets' and also our enemies that are known or unknown until they show themselves.  This is the house where the individual is most likely to be taken advantage of or confined in some manner by another. 

All rights reserved.  Copyright 2010-2012.   A Ray of Light Publishing Company

SandBoxBlogs: SandBox Astrology "Martin Schulman: 'Allegory' "

...And it was morning as God  stood before his twelve children and into each of them planted the seed of human life. One by one, each child stepped forward to receive his appointed gift.






"To you, Aries, I give my seed first that you might have the honor of planting it. That  for every seed you plant one million more will multiply in your hand.  You will not have time to see the seed grow, for everything you plant creates more that must be planted.  You will be the first to penetrate the soil of men's minds with My Idea.  But it is not your job to nourish the Idea nor to question it.  Your life is action and the only action I ascribe to you is to begin making men aware of My Creation. For your good work I give you the virtue of Self Esteem."

Quietly, Aries stepped back to his place.

"To you Taurus, I give the power to build the seed into substance.  Your job is a great one requiring patience for you must finish all that has been started or the seeds will be wasted to the wind.  You are not to question nor change your mind in the middle nor to depend on others for what I ask you to do.  For this, I give you the gift of Strength.  Use it wisely."

And Taurus stepped back into place.

"To you, Gemini, I give the questions without answers so that you may bring to all an understanding  of what man sees around him.  You will never know why men speak or listen, but in your quest for the answer you will find my gift of Knowledge."

And Gemini stepped back into place.

"To you, Cancer I ascribe the task of teaching men about emotion.  My Idea is for you to cause them laughter and tears so that all they see and think develops fullness from inside.  For this I give you the gift of Family, that your fullness may multiply."

And Cancer stepped back into his place.

"To you, Leo I give the job of displaying My Creation in all it's brilliance to the world.  But you must be careful of pride and always remember that it is My Creation, not yours.  For if you forget this, men will scorn you.  There is much joy in the job I give to you if you but do it well.  For this you are to have the gift of Honor."

And Leo stepped back into his place.

"To you, Virgo I ask for an examination of all man has done with My Creation.  You are to scrutinize his ways sharply and remind him of his errors so that through you My Creation may be perfected.  For doing this I give you the gift of Purity of Thought."

And Virgo stepped back into his place.

"To you, Libra I give the mission of service, that man may be mindful of his duties to others.  That he may learn cooperation  as well as the ability  to reflect the other side of his actions.  I will put you everywhere there is discord, and for your efforts I will give you the gift of Love."

And Libra stepped back into place.

"To you, Scorpio I give a very difficult task.  You will have the ability to know the minds of men, but I do not permit you to speak about what you learn.  Many times you will be pained by what you see, and in your pain you will turn away from Me and forget that it is not I but the perversion of My Idea that is causing your pain.  You will see so much of man that you will come to know him as animal and wrestle so much with his animal instincts in yourself that you will lose your way; but when you finally come back to Me, Scorpio, I have for you  the supreme gift of Purpose."

And Scorpio stepped back.

"Sagittarius, I ask you to make men laugh for amidst their misunderstanding of My Idea they became bitter.  Through laughter you are to give man Hope and through Hope turn his eyes back to Me.  Yu will touch many lives if but only for a moment, and you will know the restlessness in every life you touch.  To you, Sagittarius I give the gift of Infinite Abundance, that you may spread wide enough to reach into every corner of darkness and bring it Light."

And Sagittarius stepped back into his place.

" Of you, Capricorn I ask the toll of your brow, that you might teach men to work.  Your task is not an easy one for you will feel all of man's labors on your shoulders; but for the yoke of your burdens I put the responsibility of man in your hands."

And Capricorn stepped back into place.

"To you, Aquarius I give the concept of future that man might see other possibilities.  you will have the pain of loneliness for I do not allow you to personalize My Love.  But for turning man's eyes to new possibilities I give you the gift of Freedom, that in your liberty you may continue to serve mankind whenever he needs you."

And Aquarius stepped back into place.

"To you, Pisces I give the most difficult task of all.  I ask you to collect all of man's sorrow and return it to Me.  Your tears are to be ultimately My tears.  The sorrow you will absorb is the effect of man's misunderstanding My Idea, but you are to give him compassion that he may try again.  For this the most difficult task of all I give you the greatest gift of all.  You will be the only one of my twelve children to understand Me.  But this gift of understanding is for you, Pisces for when you try to spread it to man, he will not listen."

And Pisces stepped back into place.

.....then God said "You each have a part of My Idea.  You must not mistake that part for all of My Idea, nor may you desire to trade parts with each other. For each of you is perfect, but you will not know that until all twelve of you are ONE.  For then, the whole of My Idea will be revealed to each of you."

And the children left, each determined to do his job best that he might receive his gift.  But none fully understood his task or gift, and when they returned puzzled God said, "You each believe that other gifts are better.  Therefore I will allow you to trade."  And for the moment, each child was elated as he considered all the possibilities of his new mission.

But God smiled as He said "You will return to Me many times asking to be relieved of your mission, and  each time I will grant you your wish.  You will go through countless incarnations before you complete the original mission I have prescribed for you.  I give you countless time in which to do it, but only  when it is done can you be with Me."
Martin Schulman