by Maya White | Sep 11, 2018 | Innertapestry
Astrocartography – Location Astrology
Locational astrology has roots in the ancient world, when travel was a bit slower and life presented fewer options to change ones’ destiny or environment. The stars of our Celestial Map guided early travelers, and they still provide direction today.
Astro*Carto*Graphy can be thought of as an interface between your natal chart and a map of the earth. Identifying the right place saves time and money as well as emotional distress. Even if confronted with a difficult situation, awareness of the underlying archetypes gives one leverage.
Astro*Carto*Graphy (TM)
Astro*Carto*Gaphy (A*C*G) is a trademark term for a system developed by Jim Lewis (now deceased) in the 1970’s. Astro*Carto*Gaphy maps show how and where each planet influenced the earth at the time you were born, and much more. Astro*Carto*Gaphy maps have only 40 lines; each line being an angular representation of the eight planets plus the Sun and Moon. Angularity is a powerful secret to the effectiveness of A*C*G.
For those who have never seen an astrological chart, it is a wheel with twelve divisions, or houses. Each one has specific areas of influence, and they all work together to paint a dynamic interrelated soul blueprint. Each house is important, but, the four cardinal directions of the house wheel, the East, West, North, and South, are considered activating points which trigger events.
These four angles are referred to as Ascendant, Descendant, Midheaven, and Imum Coeli, – or ASC, DSC, MH, and IC. I’ll discuss each one, and provide examples using the king of planets, Jupiter, as a tour guide.
The Ascendant- What We Express
House number one begins what is called the Ascendant, or sunrise point of the chart. The Ascendant is symbolic of where the personality greets the day, or ’dawns’ on the world. In A*C*G any planet represented by an Ascendant (or ASC) line operates by expressing our personality and/or personal interests.
Jupiter on the ASC lends itself to both positive and negative expressions. Negatively, obesity and liver ailments may call on the woeful character who denies richness of personal growth and expansion. Sign placements as well as aspects to Jupiter in the natal chart are also clues here. For example, someone with Jupiter in Saturn ruled Capricorn may feel the crunch of ‘missed opportunities’. Positively, the Jupiter ASC may be expressed by an abundant life that comes from optimism and sharing
The Descendant- What We Attract
Opposite the Ascendant and sunrise point is the Descendant and/or symbolic sunset. This is the place on the wheel chart that represents our relationships with others, the cusp of the seventh house. The Descendant (or DSC) lines on an A*C*G map show where we attract influences to us either consciously or unconsciously. Usually the messengers come in the form of our relationships.
Yes, on the DSC we attract from others, but our shadow side is often operating here. Getting to the real issue at hand is a challenge in working with the DSC in Astro*Carto*Gaphy. Typically, one would think that Jupiter on the DSC works overtime to manifest fortuitous opportunities.
It has been my observation, however, that this influence which would seem to hold so many benefits can also be a most powerful antagonists. I was intrigued to hear from clients who felt that elbow bumps with the rich and famous exacted a dear price in personal power and integrity while visiting their Jupiter DSC zones. Shadow images haunted those who secretly felt they had ‘sold out’ to maintain lifestyle or status.
Public Image – The MC
The next category of lines on an A*C*G map are those representing the Midheaven or MH. This cusp between the ninth and tenth houses is the angular point of the chart representative of the noon day Sun. Peak visibility and public image are key phrases for the MH. Any Midheaven line in an A*C*G map singles out a place where one can achieve recognition.
A dangerous combination such as Neptune and Pluto may even drop hints of notoriety. And, sometimes success in the public arena comes with a price to pay in loss of one’s private life. These are all underlying issues in what would seem at first look to be a positive position.
Nonetheless, as we follow Jupiter through his placements on the four angles, he is delightfully at home on the MH. Remember that in mythology Jupiter sat on his throne atop Mt. Olympus as administrator of the classical world. One may be viewed as ‘larger than life’ in a Jupiter MH zone. Barring challenging aspects to Jupiter in a natal chart, the Jupiter MH line is an empowered place for one to live or seek professional contacts.
Private Influences- the IC
The Imum Coeli, or IC is the place that represents the midnight point of a chart, the cusp between the third and fourth houses. Here is our foundation and inner private world. Jupiter breaths a sigh of relief when placed on the IC in an Astro*Carto*Graphy map. He waxes philosophical while enjoying the depth and breadth of his family life; the gracious host in his expansive home. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it?
Every A*C*G map has a zone with this influence of Jupiter, but sometimes it lies in a place undesirable due to geography or personal interests. For example, since each A*C*G map is individualized, sometimes preferred areas will be in the middle of the ocean. Other times, desirable astrological influences are in places where one has no interest in living.
Remote Activation
It is not always necessary to actually move to a place which has significant A*C*G lines. Frequently, patterns of relationships or employment will be revealed coming to a person from the areas in question. A recent client who lives in New York City was delighted to understand that even though she did not wish to relocate to her Jupiter IC line in the Midwest, she immediately recognized the importance of that part of the country; her current boss is from Little Rock, Arkansas, and her Mother is from Louisiana.
Find Your Perfect Place
The above examples reveal secrets of just one planet, Jupiter. Remember your A*C*G map has 40 lines to help you find places on the earth which will support your efforts. Plus, advances in mapping software have added a multitude of techniques to help you fine tune your travels.
Astro*Carto*Graphy is am amazing tool which helps people find their best place on the earth for success. Looking for romance? Try Astro*Carto*Graphy! It’s the perfect tool that combines an ancient art with our hi-tech age.
by Maya White | Sep 11, 2018 | Innertapestry
Just as the dawn brings light to darkness each morning, the rising sign (also called ascendant) represents how we dawn on the world; how we appear to others. Think illumination, illustration, even illusion. The astrological ascendant is determined by the time of day you were born, or, esoterically, the moment of the soul’s first breath in this lifetime. It is symbolic of the rising sun, hence the term “rising sign”. Most people know their Sun sign; do you know what your rising sign is?
The first house deals with issues of self awareness and approach to life; the personality as well as physical characteristics. My favorite image is the regal head of hair that goes with Leo rising. Lions must have a mane you know, the larger the better. If not bushy, it is most likely reddish or exceptional in some way. Those Lions must roar, also. How else does the world know to respect them? Widostyle peak on a high arched forehead, flared nostrils and a light trim body? I place my bets on Aries ascendant. Exceptional feet, perhaps a dancer? Think Pisces rising since that is the body part ruled by that sign. Guessing ascendants can be a fun exercise, but what is the purpose and meaning behind appearances?
In his book “The Inner Sky”, astrologer Stephen Forrest explains the ascendant and first house as symbolizing our optimal mask, the outer expression that best serves our inner needs. He further describes the ascendant as “a force that channels the totality of the birthchart into the world of action.” So, first – acceptance, and secondly – enhancement of one’s ascendant can help navigate the sea of life. The ascendant then is like a focal point. Think of it as a moment in time, one like no other, when a newly born soul makes a statement with that first breath – I AM. Just as each moment in time is unique, every person born has an astrological signature that will be shared by no one.
The ascendant is also the starting point of what is called the “first house”. There are twelve houses, congruent with twelve signs of the zodiac. Each house has its symbolic domain. The simplest division of houses begins by delineating one through six as being subjective, or personal. Houses seven through twelve are considered as objective or dealing more with the self in relationship to other people and/or society.
Opposing the ascendant and first house is the descendant. Here, we have the symbolic setting Sun, the time of day that transitions into evening. The descendant is the beginning of what is called the seventh house, or house of relationships. This is traditionally thought of as the “House of Marriage”, although it can refer to many types of partnerships. This sector also rules legal affairs. Now, the personality which effervesces in the first house must learn to get along with others through cooperative ventures. Key to the seventh house is the concept of equality as well as interdependency.
Another aspect of the imagery of self and others is the concept of shadow. Just as the setting sun casts the longest shadostyle of the day, the seventh house, or “house of others” is prime real estate for reflection of our hidden self displayed by the antics of those we love to hate. Just what is it about that co – worker you cannot stand? It is the way he/she always makes a mess? Maybe you sit next to the office chatterbox. Did Mother spend a lot of time on the phone, and neglect her children? Truly the shadow is a major mover not only of astrology, but also human psychology. One of the basics of shadow psychology is that the individual will attract people and situations to bring up the issues that most need attention, translate healing, within the self. Strategically, one of the methods of healing shadow issues points back to a healthy sense of identity as defined by the ascendant. The individual must integrate his or her separateness in order to function completely in a relationship.
There are two other critical points in the chart, the midheaven (MH) and Imum Coeli (IC). The IC resides in the personal or subjective part of the chart, and is symbolically represented as the darkest part of night. The midheaven presents our peak of objectivity, how we function in society and corresponds to high noon, or time of day when the sun is directly overhead.
Usually born with in minutes of each other, twins make for valuable and fascinating astrological study. Though I have not done extensive research on the subject, my experience reveals subtle but effective means for creating differences between two almost identical birth times. With one pair of twins I know personally, the first born has late Aries rising and the second – Taurus rising. The Aries ascendant twin is smaller, light bodied, and lives a nomadic life on a boat. The Taurus ascendant twin is taller, has two children, and owns a beautiful house. In another case both twins have the same ascendant, but differences in birth time develops with one of the individuals having Saturn in prominence on her midheaven. The other twin’s chart places Neptune on that very important part, emphasizing that planet as her keynote of social expression. True to form, the Saturn twin has developed a conservative lifestyle of self denial while her Neptunian sister pursues spiritual healing and lightwork as the mission for her life.
So, ascendant is another member of the “big threesome” of astrology, joined by the Sun and Moon. Think of the Sun as a gravitational center or point of organization. The Moon represents our emotional perspective. Then add a well integrated ascendant as the symbolic point of separation and expression. As you can see, a complete astrological picture is much more than just one’s Sun sign. No wonder no two people are alike. The planets and houses serve up a delectable meal to share with friends and even family, but it is prepared differently every time.
Next month I want to introduce one more player in the parade of individuality – the planet Uranus, also known as the “Great Awakener”. The basic personality function of Uranus is to bring change into our lives, something familiar to us all.
by Maya White | Sep 11, 2018 | Innertapestry
Traditionally, the long hot days of summer have been known as the Dog Days. Although the term may feel like it refers to being hot as a dog, or working like one, there is also an astrological connection with one of the brightest stars in the night time sky, the fixed star Sirius. This glowing giant can be seen from every inhabited region of the Earth’s surface, and the stories associated with Siruis are most intriguing.
Sirius is situated in the eye of the greater dog Canis Major, hence the designation ‘Dog Star’. One of the stars nearest Earth, Sirius is 23 times more luminous and about twice the mass and diameter of our Sun. Its name comes from the Greek term seirios, (glowing). Sirius is actually a binary, or perhaps even a triple star, an insight that would seemingly have been unavailable to the ancients; but many texts and traditions support that humans have long known about this quality of our summer messenger.
Ancient Egyptians called Sirius the ‘Dog Star’, after their god Osiris, whose head in pictograms resembled that of a dog. In Egypt, Sirius shines for most of the summer, and since it the brightest star, the Egyptians actually believed that the additional light from this nearby star was responsible for the summer heat. The rising of this star came at the time of inundation of the Nile River and the start of the Egyptian New Year which marked the beginning of Summer solstice.
The Egyptians apparently knew that Sirius was a binary star, as it had both a male and female deity association- that of Osiris and his partner, the great mother Isis. When Sirius appeared in the sky each year, the Nile generally started to flood bringing productivity to the land. The ancient Egyptians connected the two events, and so Isis took on the aspects of a goddess of not only the star and of the inundation, but of fertility. Isis had another link with water – she was believed to cleanse the pharaoh in the afterlife. It is interesting to note that the embalming of the dead took seventy days – the same amount of time that Sirius was not seen in the sky, before it’s yearly rising. Isis was a goddess of fertility to both the living and the dead.
To locate Sirius in the night time sky, find Orion’s belt which are the three bright stars in a row. (Hopefully you already know that one, if not ask you companion, because he or she probably does.) Follow an imaginary line through these stars to Sirius which is just above the horizon. The best time of year to view it is around January 1, when it reaches the meridian at midnight. Remember, this star can be seen from every inhabited part of the earth! Viewing Sirius through a telescope in a clear night time sky is an experience not forgotten. The star shines a steely blue, beckoning your recognition; there is no other star in the sky that shines like Sirius.
Our largest giant is actually two or more stars which rotate in a unique orbit. Sirius B is invisible to the naked eye but packs almost the entire mass of our sun into a globe only 4 times as large as the Earth. Sirius B’s surface is 300 times harder than diamonds, while its interior has a density 3,000 times that of diamonds. Spinning on its axis about 23 times a minute, it generates huge magnetic fields.
As they approach each other, the stars both begin to spin faster as tidal forces become stronger, finally flip-flopping over, and actually trading places with each other. This energy releases magnetic fields to the Sun, which in turn transmits it like a lens to all the planets. The strength of these magnetic fields is thought to be one reason that we feel the pull of our Dog Star even here on earth. Male and Female, Osiris and Isis trade places in the seat of power regularly; it takes a bit longer here on earth for those kinds of changes.
The tarot card associated with Siruis is taught to be that of ‘The Moon’. This card is one which speaks to lessons of the unconscious and gestation of creative ideas. Many decks illustrate The Moon card with two canines, a dog and a wolf, howling at the Moon. Traditional decks also picture a crayfish on the Moon card, a symbol of the primitive notions that arise from our deep imagination. Our creativity which is gestated in the deepness of unconsciousness will be born only when the time is right and it has been sung into creation by the howling animals.
Predating the Egyptians, the epic poem Epic of Gilgamesh describes a dream where the hero is drawn irresistibly to a heavy star that cannot be lifted despite immense effort. This star descends from heaven to him and is described as having a very ‘potent essence’ and being “the God of heaven”. Gilgamesh had for his companions, 50 oarsmen in the great ship, Argo, a constellation bordering Canis Major, where Sirius is found. In the ancient Vedas this star was known as the Chieftain’s star; in other Hindu writings, it is referred to as Sukra, the Rain God, or Rain Star.
The Dogon people live in the southwestern portion of the Sahara Desert in Africa. Central to their religious teachings is knowledge about Sirius. The Dogon, say they received their knowledge by visitors to the earth from another star system. They believe Sirius to be the axis of the universe, and from it all matter and all souls are produced in a great spiral motion. Some scholars, including Carl Sagan dispute the validity of this claim, saying that the Dogon learned about Sirius from more modern sources- the truth remains hidden like Sirius B.
In June of 1993, as our sun covered Sirius from the Earth’s view, the largest flood of the past century occurred. The rivers of the Mississippi, our Nile River, overflowed its banks. This flood continued until the middle of August. When Sirius came out from behind the Sun, the flood waters receded, news reports disappeared and the immediate life-threatening crisis subsided. Could this not be a reflection of the great rivers of energies streaming out from Sirius? Is Sirius a weather maker, a source of cosmic influence through its powerful magnetic rays, or even a great mother star seed of life on earth, as some propose? Next time you are out gazing at the stars this summer, ask it. You may be surprised by the answer.
“A star that keenest of all blazes with a searing flame and him men call Seirios (Sirius). When he rises with Helios (the Sun), no longer do the trees deceive him by the feeble freshness of their leaves. For easily with his keen glance he pierces their ranks, and to some he gives strength but of others he blights the bark utterly. Of him too at his setting are we aware.” – Aratus, Greek Astronomer, 3rd Century BC
by Maya White | Sep 11, 2018 | Innertapestry
In addition to the planets, a new host of guides supplement our astrological journey; the asteroids. Overlooked by some, under rated by others, the asteroids have eagerly revealed their influences to me. Mythological stories provide much insight into the asteroid stories, but additionally, this column must begin and end with credit to author Demetra George and her book “Asteroid Goddesses, the Mythology, Psychology and Astrology of the Reemerging Feminine”. Demetra has written a classic guide to asteroid interpretation, and without her work, this aspect of astrology would be sorely lacking.
Discovered in the early 1800’s, the asteroid belt is a grouping of planetary bodies orbiting between Mars and Jupiter, symbolically forming a bridge between our personal awareness as represented by the inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Moon, and Mars), and social integration of collective values and lastyle as represented by Jupiter and Saturn and the other outer planets. Most of the asteroids are notably feminine, emphasizing humanity’s evolving need to return an earth based goddess model of divinity. Several asteroids (with names such as Icarus, Psyche, Pandora, and Sappho) orbit between Mars and Jupiter, but the first four discovered are the largest and primary influences; Pallas Athene, Vesta, Juno, and Ceres.
Ceres, also known as Demeter (or ‘the Mother’) is the largest and possibly original source of the asteroid family. This Mother’s mythic origins drive back through time to the earliest Sumerian fertility goddess, Inanna. Again, as with the early stories of Venus, we find a female fertility goddess who must enter the realm of darkness in order to bring life to humankind. When unhappy, she expressed her wrath by denying a fruitful harvest. Ceres is also associated with the fall, and the ensuing season of decay and fallow fields.
Ceres is venerated as a goddess of the grain harvest; but also known for her connection to the underworld below the earth through an endearing love for her daughter Persephone. After Persephone’s abduction by lord of the underworld, Pluto, Ceres departs to search for her beloved child. Her vehicle is a torch lit chariot pulled by winged snakes. (Now, there’s a woman’s with wheels!) During her travels, Ceres is given safe and friendly refuge in the town of Eleusis. In this resting place, she blesses the community with her gifts of agriculture as well as the teachings of divine worship. Thereafter, the Eleusian Mysteries are incorporated as initiation rites of the ancient world, addressing a soul’s journey between death and rebirth.
In the natal chart, Ceres gives clues to our acceptance of nurturing and unconditional love. She also provides insights on self esteem. As an archetypical Mother, Ceres can reveal early childhood nurturing issues, as well as how we raise our children. And critically, this corn goddess of agriculture and growth shostyle how we weather the trans-formational mysteries of birth and death.
Next in the lineup of asteroid goddesses is Juno, also known as Hera. Juno is yet another earth based female consort of a male sky god; mythology remembers her as the loyal wife of philandering Zeus. Renowned for their stormy relationship, the story of Zeus and Juno is a repository of Greek and Roman history. However, the origins of Hera are much more powerful than her role as a wife.
Hera is first noted as a sky queen of peace and fertility ruling over three lunar stages of life: child – maiden of the New Moon; fulfilled bride of the Full Moon; and solitary widow of the Dark Moon. Early Hera’ cults were so influential that pre Hellenic conquering tribes forced the early Greek goddess to symbolically wed their Achaean god Zeus. Hera is depicted as a loyal but coerced wife; the ‘sacred marriage’ of our Hera is remembered as a union likened to the sudden storms that overcome peaceful skies.
Nonetheless, Juno/Hera is assigned themes of committed relationships. These can be traditional themes such as those surrounding love and marriage as well as business relationship, or even teacher – disciple partnership. Key, though, is commitment, and the deepening of trust that ensues. This further step into intimacy opens the doors to sexual union and the depth of tantric, or divine energetic bliss. The next step opens the deepest meaning of Juno, and her doorway to one of the secrets of life.
Another aspect of sexuality and love is symbolized by our next asteroid – Vesta. In contrast to Juno’s realm of intimacy within the boundaries of a formalized relationship, Vesta’s altar was one of sacred sexuality in the name of devotional love. Vesta was worshipped in early Greece as goddess of hearth and home and no enterprise was begun without prayer at her altar, which consisted only of a sacred fire. Later as the more militant Romans formalized the cult of Vestal Virgins, Vesta, was stripped of her natural fecundity as a Moon goddess, becoming isolated and associated more with ritualized chastity. Vesta’s energetic realm is that of ceremony and ritual psychic development.
Expressing her keynotes of purity and fire, in the natal chart Vesta shostyle one’s area of meaningful focus. In keeping with the solitary culture of Vestal Virgins, it can also show where we ‘work alone’. It’s where our inner hearth fire burns and guides us as we direct our personality. Once again, there is a call for commitment- this time to one’s self.
Last but not least is Pallas Athene. Also known as Minerva, this warrior goddess daughter of Zeus came to life fully mature and ready to meet her destiny. She is renowned for her gifts of prophecy as well as her wisdom. Her dual names refer to her rulership of war and victory (Pallas) as well as her role of healer, guardian, and instructor during times of peace (Athene). In the natal chart, she accents issues dealing with intellectual drive and our creative urges. She supports excellence in the professional world, but also addresses the cost women (and men) sometimes pay for intellectual armor which denies deep emotion. Pallas Athene also addresses how one’s will is manifested into physical structures, be it artistic endeavors or healing energies.
With their placement between Mars and Jupiter, bridging the inner personal planets and the outer collective bodies, personal transformation and our consequent integration into a more conscious society is the gift of the asteroids. I will close with again acknow-ledgement to Demetra George and her fabulous works, as well as a fond thank you to the stories of our culture that make life so rich.
