Question 1

What made you commit to and believe in astrology?

Francis O'Neill · Accepted Answer

What made you commit to and believe in astrology?

What made you commit to and believe in astrology? This was a question I answered on Quora.

Back in my twenties I was as sceptical of astrology as some of the people that glibly respond to questions on astrology in Quora today. I thought it was rubbish – far too generalised to have any value. The problem I faced back then – and is the case for probably the bigger majority of people now – was that I assumed that "pop astrology;" that is the stars or star signs we read about in newspapers, magazines and some online sites, was ASTROLOGY period. It's not! It's a huge misconception to think that it is... I only discovered this when I picked up a good textbook on the matter.

You're making the same mistake with your question

And if I may say so, you've made the same mistake with your question. You are making the assumption that there is only one version of astrology - and we all know what that is. And I'll bet it is pop astrology that you were thinking of - because otherwise, I suggest, you wouldn't have phrased your question as you have. For me, the discovery I made brought about my needing to study Western astrology in a structured way. The more I studied it, the more I came to realise this ancient and holistic system is profound in its symbolical and meaningful representation of Time. For people it can provide enormous insight into the energy pattern they are working with in their lives. I've now been involved with the study and practice of Western astrology for over 40 years. So yes, I'm committed. But I'm past "believe." It's not belief as much as "knowing" at this point.

If it interests you to get more insight into what Western astrology actually is; get hold of my, What is Proper Astrology? Book 1 in the Discover Proper Astrology series, on Kindle - for the price of a coffee.

Associated links:

What is the basis of astrology? Why are zodiac signs different? Why do so many of us believe in astrology?

Question 2

Do astrologers go through an astronomical report

Francis O'Neill · Accepted Answer

Do astrologers go through an astronomical report about where the concerned planets are in which positions in a day for doing predictions that day?

"Do astrologers go through an astronomical report about where the concerned planets are in which positions in a day for doing predictions that day?" is a question I answered on Quora.

Probably most astrologers will use software to calculate the positions of planets, stars or asteroids as needed on a daily basis. Manually astrologers can use what is called an "ephemeris" (tables) to know the position of planets **in relation to the Earth**, on a daily basis. This can be found in book form or online. The American Ephemeris | cover image

The movement of planets in our solar system are so well recorded, and predictable, that one can either go back in time or forward in time and know precisely where they will be. It means, for example, that The American Ephemeris for the 21st Century provides me with reliable tables of planetary movements running up 2050. I use both software and manual approaches by the way. Also I do look up at the sky on a regular basis - but more out of wonder than need.

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Why do people believe in astrology? What is the history of astrology? Do modern people still believe in astrology? What does it mean to have three planets in the 12th house?

Question 3

Why does the same natal chart play differently?

Francis O'Neill · Accepted Answer

Why does the same natal chart play differently?

"Why does the same natal chart play differently?" was a question I answered on Quora.

Homepage Topic 1 image Well (if I have understood your question properly) you could, in theory, have the birth of a child, the beginning of a business and the launch of a ship, all happening at the same time (give or take a minute or two - and let's not quibble) in a town, let's say on the edge of the ocean.

These events would all have the same natal or birth-chart.

An astrologer dealing with all three would apply the same chart to each situation at hand; and interpret it accordingly. In their evaluation, of the potential of each, there would of course be overlap and some obvious differences/emphasis on each of the three events.

Symbolical representation

What you need to bear in mind from this is that the natal chart is a symbolical representation of an event in Time, space and place - no matter what that event is.

Also, with so many variables represented in the chart, outcomes are not always as black or white as might be expected. Just like Mars, coming to oppose Uranus in Scorpio, does not mean you are going to break a leg riding a motorcycle. You might, or you might have a break-through in discovery of something unsettling previously hidden from you.

Correspondencies

If the astrologer, in our example, could continue to chart all three they would anticipate correspondences (synchronicities) between them to be found through their life journeys - notably the peaks and troughs of experience.

But, as you can anticipate, the outcomes are very likely to be different in nature for each. Let's say a successful exam outcome for the child, corresponds with a successful contract for the business, and a successful safety inspection for the ship. And so it goes...

Indentical twins

But let’s also look at identical twins. How "does the same natal chart play differently" here?

Identical twins are often said to have strong correspondences with each other throughout their lives. And this has been notable with twins that have been separated in their early years, or at birth. But does it always happen? No, I doubt it! Does it need to for astrology to have value? No!

Like our three events above, here the birth of twins might be so close to each other that really the one natal chart, as good as damn it, applies to both. I know there are astrologers who will say the gap in minutes will make the difference in their respective behaviour - and yes it will contribute. But there are bigger things that need to be understood in this situation.

My argument is that we are not each a tabula rasa when we arrive here. We enter life with an intention that is personal to ourselves. Each child is a soul in a temporary time situation - with something to experience and learn.

How one child handles life and makes use of their potential (as symbolised in this chart for both), does not have to follow the other. And likewise, in the way the other responds to and uses the same symbolical potential.

In other words, identical twins yes, identical souls, not necessarily.

I hope this helps.

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What does it mean if a person's zodiac sign is Libra and they are a lawyer? Why do people believe in astrology? In what ways can astrology be used to understand oneself and others?

Question 4

What does it mean if a person's zodiac sign is Libra

Francis O'Neill · Accepted Answer

What does it mean if a person's zodiac sign is Libra and they are a lawyer?

"What does it mean if a person's zodiac sign is Libra and they are a lawyer?" A question I answered on Quora.

Let me rephrase your question: What does it mean if a person has their Sun in Libra and they are a lawyer?

Homepage Topic 1 image Well, there are numerous expressions of Sun in Libra. One of them can be an interest in law and order, even as a career.

Afterall Libra is represented by the Scales - balancing values and judgement. It’s a very judicial symbol.

But to understand why this person has become a lawyer (and has not gone into fashion or art let's say - I haven't done any of these by the way and I also have Sun in Libra) you would need to see their birth-chart.

You'd need to see what sign their Moon is in for instance. What signs their Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are in - and so much more.

The version of astrology, implied by your question, is too simplistic. No one is just a "zodiac sign."

I'm sorry to say you are not alone in this misunderstanding of astrology. I reckon most astrology questions on Quora are at the level of newspaper astrology - or pop astrology as I call it. Any wonder therefore that a lot of the questions on astrology don't get answered.

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Question 5

Does Saturn in Aries affect a Libra ascendant?

Francis O'Neill · Accepted Answer

Does Saturn in Aries affect a Libra ascendant?

"Does Saturn in Aries affect a Libra ascendant?" a question I answered on Quora.

Homepage Topic 1 image Well, in general, all planets and angles are in relationship with each other. So yes Saturn in Aries will of course "affect a Libra ascendant" particularly such a sensitive area.

Without seeing a whole birth-chart this is going to be somewhat generalised - in isolation. And "isolation" being the operative word in my comments.

With a Libra ascendant and Saturn in Aries (descendant) you will have Saturn in the 6th or 7th house.

Take a look at the dynamics

Libra is seeking to get on with people, come across as an alround good egg, be nice and friendly, and good at weighting up the pros and cons in making life choices and decisions.

Across the divide, the Aries theme is a do it now, take action and go it alone theme - act now and ask questions later. With Aries on the descendant however your inclination will be towards getting your steer, for what to do, through others, in context with others or against others.

Saturn in Aries, meanwhile, will tend to put the brakes on and further hinder the Aries sense of urgency, and need for momentum. If Saturn is in the 7th house too it can add to feelings of a disconnect, a sense of isolation - relationships not working. It suggests an inability to attract people, or the right sort of people, into your life.

Bottom line you can get to feel you are stuck, not knowing which way to turn for sure.

The themes here suggest you need to develop patience and be prepared to go it alone. Once you can do that (with kindness to yourself and others) everthing will work out of its own accord. Think of Saturn as brokering healthy long term partnership/s.

I hope this helps.

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Question 6

Consequences of Mars and Saturn conjunction

Francis O'Neill · Accepted Answer

What are the consequences of Mars and Saturn conjunction in general?

"What are the consequences of Mars and Saturn conjunction in general?" is a question I answered on Quora.

The person most in control is the person who can give up control.

Don't push the river, it flows by itself.

Fritz Perls

More haste less speed...

Mars and Saturn in any challenging aspect as the conjunction, square, quincunx and opposition, is an opportunity and recipe for maturity and awakening.

Mars Conjunct Saturn image Mars wants to act and go forward with energy and drive. Saturn will go forward but only in a measured and secure way - which amounts to slowing down, resisting or blocking the drive of Mars.

The tendency will be to either drive with the brakes on - requiring a lot of energy spent going against the tide. Or a tendency to be forceful and reckless - finding oneself making mistakes, being impatient, riding rough-shod over others - and probably having to start projects from scratch again.

One learns to think things through before acting, to manage things better and develop patience, be less stressed. One learns, usually the hard way, to be kinder to oneself and others. One learns to go forward at a steady and measured pace with improved timing. And/or indeed develop the instinct to know when not to take action at all.

It can be a lonely journey (feeling up against it at times) but when the two themes are working together in harmony there can be real long-term success in the making. One is wiser through the experience.
_______
By the way I have Mars (Scorpio/8th house) squaring Saturn in Leo/5th. Mars is also my chart ruler. I still get it wrong.

What made you commit to and believe in astrology?

What made you commit to and believe in astrology?

What made you commit to and believe in astrology?

You’re making the same mistake with your question

Associated links:

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Do astrologers go through an astronomical report

Why does the same natal chart play differently?

What does it mean if a person’s zodiac sign is Libra

Does Saturn in Aries affect a Libra ascendant?

Consequences of Mars and Saturn conjunction