Need love advice?
Don't understand what your chart means?
Have a question as to whether you and your S.O. are astrologically compatible?
Don't know whether you should dump him/her?
Afraid to make the first move?
Do they love you?

Send me your questions--and don't forget to include any relevant astrology information that you have--and I promise to give you the best "astro-therapy" advice around!

E-mail me at LoveStruckDC@aol.com



The PISCES 4-1-1

Element: Water
Ruling Planet: Neptune, Jupiter
Quality: Mutable
Nature: Negative, Feminine
Symbol: Fish

Health Alert: Pisces rule the feet and its structural bones and toes. They must be careful with sprains, stubbed toes, ankle issues, bunions, or broken bones. Since many Pisces are avid runners, dancers or sports-enthusiasts, they need to learn to guard their feet to avoid permanent damage or invasive surgery. Internally, Pisces rule the lymphatic system. They must take caution when it comes to internal inflammation, gland functions in general, and problems with drugs. Allergic reactions to drugs, and a susceptibility to addictions, can become a serious issue for Pisces, who use drugs and alcohol to escape reality or numb themselves from their intense emotions. These said emotions can cause Pisces to struggle with depression and psychosomatic illnesses more often than not. Most of their health issues stem from emotional distress, and as such, they tend to have a weak immune system to fight off colds, flu, sinus infections, or other illnesses. Therapeutic ways of avoiding addictive tendencies and reducing stress on the body would be yoga or Pilates, which most Pisces love because it helps them to feel spiritually aligned as well. Last but not least, Pisces tend to indulge in expensive tastes when it comes to rich foods. They should be wary of excessive drinking and eating, especially late night. Their bodies have a delicate system and their metabolism is a bit weaker than most.

Where to Find a Pisces: performing on-stage, whether it be a dance production, musical collaboration, or play. They are heavily involved in the arts, so when they aren’t on stage, they can likely be found working late hours in an art or dance studio, reading in a bookstore, rehearsing their lines with a cast mate, cooking in a restaurant, or attending a lecture on religion or philosophy. You may also find a lot of Pisces working in marketing or graphic design firms, as they get to apply their artistic skills in a corporate environment. You can also find them near water (ocean, lake, etc) meditating or just watching the scenery while writing down their latest poem or chapter in their novel. Most Pisceans are involved in charity work and the Church, so an easy target would be to go to a worship service or sign up for volunteer work in your area (animal shelters, soup kitchens, mentoring programs, campaign fundraising, etc). New Age workshops, readings, or events is a prime target for the typical Pisces, who is very in-tune with alternative lifestyles. This said lifestyle leads them to organic food markets and grocery stores, too. If all else fails, you are guaranteed to find a Pisces in a yoga or Pilates studio (and probably, they are teaching the class!).

How to Spot a Pisces: they are fairly easy to spot because they tend to stand out like a sore thumb in a crowd. Many of them have light eyes that are soft and soulful, which they use to analyze the environment around them. They won’t be the loud person in the room always talking. In fact, they will be the quiet one you have to draw out of their shell. Once they are drawn out, they can be quite witty and charming, surprising most people. A hearty laugh that throws their head back, and frequent movements of their head is also a noticeable trait (that “huh? me?” what?” movement). It’s almost as if they look like someone has splashed water on their face. Their faces, and facial movements, are quite expressive when they become animated—otherwise, they can look like a deer in headlights most of the time. They may wave their arms around when they talk as well, almost as if they are dancing or giving a grand speech in their head at the same time that they are sitting down and talking to you about their day. The women are drawn to floral prints and very feminine pieces (sheer fabrics, summer dresses, scarves, subdued prints, etc) that allow them to move easily and comfortably. The less glamorous Pisces woman will wear jeans and a fleece jacket or t-shirt all the time (and some kind of creative addition, like a scarf around their head, a cool/different piece of jewelry, or a fun headband) or have a more hippy look (flowing printed dresses an earth tones), and the more glamorous will have no problem decking herself out in jewels, a fur coat, and a plunging neckline showing her curvy figure (think of Elizabeth Taylor when she was young). She uses her clothes to define herself as either a sexy siren or a natural beauty. The men love wearing blues and greens, and will often be in khakis or some other relaxed-wear. In business, they are always in sharp suits and have impeccable taste. They like to look good—it helps them charm the women more so that they can get what they want!

How to Attract a Pisces: have a kind heart, an interest in the arts and in their passion for the arts, and be attractive. Pisces are very visual and don’t like things that look messy or in disarray—it throws them off balance. If you are a good soul, with a strong will, they will fall madly in love with you. Typically, a Pisces is first attracted sexually, but will wait to get to know you better before really falling in love (Do you have the same interests? Are you spiritual? Do you respect yourself? Are you a family person?). Ironically, even though Pisces are attracted to pretty people, they are turned off by materialistic ones. A Pisces man loves an attractive, feminine woman, but if she spends too much money on shoes, bags, or clothes, or expects that he spends his money on her, he is quickly turned off. He will view her motives as selfish, materialistic, and greedy. A Pisces woman is always looking for a man who is put together and successful. She needs to feel secure and taken care of, and a well dressed man with a good bank account is definitely the route to her heart, even if he can be slightly selfish or self-involved, she falls for his charms. The general rule of thumb, however, is just to be a good, nice person—someone that a Pisces considers to be honest, virtuous, and loyal. A wicked sense of humor will also help you. Many Pisces are in the entertainment industry, notably as comedians or actors, and love making people laugh. You should take to heart that Pisces have very volatile emotions, as well. This means they can be obsessed with you one moment, and disinterested in the next. Be willing to ride their emotional waves (and sometimes, tsunamis) if you want to spend a lifetime together.

How to Lose a Pisces: being more emotionally erratic than they are, loud, or pretentious, is a great way to get rid of your Pisces. They may hang in there for a while because they dig a little bit of the crazy (they are crazy too, after all), but they will quickly swim upstream after a short while. They loathe nasty behavior, ugly people, negative personalities, and irresponsible partners. Female Pisces are looking for a strong, alpha male to protect them; male Pisces are looking for a feminine, faithful and kind-hearted alpha female to nourish them. It’s really that simple. So, if you don’t fall within the lines, you simply don’t matter to a Pisces.

FAMOUS PISCES

FAMOUS PISCES
Clockwise: Javier Bardem, Glenn Close, Daniel Craig, Jessica Biel, Benicio del Toro, Eva Longoria, Justin Bieber, Drew Barrymore, Michael Cain, Rachel Weisz, Steve Jobs, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Billy Crystal, Queen Latifah, Spike Lee, Chelsea Handler, Mitt Romney, Chelsea Clinton, Ralph Nader, Elizabeth Taylor, Albert Einstein, Liza Minnelli, Alan Greenspan, Rue McClanahan, Rob Lowe, Lauren Graham, Bruce Willis, Juliette Binoche, Kurt Russell, Cindy Crawford, Bon Jovi, Vanessa Williams

The PISCES Best & Worst List

Best Qualities: intuitive, nurturing and soulful, Pisces have a way about them that makes people drawn to them. Whether it is because they are mysterious, seem innocent, or make people feel coddled and needed, they are like Mother Nature radiating warmth and harmony. Romantic and charming, Pisces easily find partners in their life to fulfill their needs. Their creativity is limitless, whether they are a male or a female. Male Pisces tend to focus more on cooking or music, and are therefore often found running a kitchen or writing their own music and/or playing an instrument of their choice. Their girlfriends have swooned over their emotional sensitivity and way with words—especially when they put the words in a romantic poem or song while playing their guitar. Female Pisces are more apt to write (poems, short stories) or be an artist or dancer. They have a strong need to use their sense of touch and their free spirit in their creative endeavors and are not afraid to express themselves through dancing, painting, or singing. Regardless of their sex, Pisces are extremely expressive on paper and often live in a fantasy world. Their artistic inclinations just make them very different from the average Joe (or Jane). Their emotions are so strong and finely tuned that, when they become too overwhelming, they can turn them into something beautiful, if they so desire. Inclined to spirituality and New Age beliefs, Pisces is a sign that is typically psychic and somewhat mystical. As the oldest sign of the Zodiac that is also connected astrologically to Jesus Christ, they have profound wisdom and beliefs in a higher power. Many Pisces are strongly linked to churches and religious leaders, and/or are involved in charitable works, volunteering, holistic healing, or counseling.

Worst Qualities: Pisces live in a fantasy world that makes it seem as if they are oh-so-mysterious (people can’t help but wonder “what ARE they thinking about?”), but the reality is that they are so confused about how they feel that they very rarely can make a decision about which mood they are in or which direction to go. Indecisiveness is a big challenge for Pisces and can sometimes render them immutable and left whining and throwing a tantrum because they simply can’t decide between hot and cold, happy or sad, left or right. As fickle as a child, their decisions and actions are at the beck and call of their mood de jour. Making a commitment to a decision, feeling, or idea can be excruciating for them and they end up delegating the decision to someone else. Pisces say that they hate hurting someone’s feelings, but the truth is that many of them get a sadistic kick out of hurting the ones they love. They can be completely self-absorbed and self-centered, so it is hard for them to strike a fine balance between making a decision that is best for them while still making it seem as if they are putting other people’s feelings into consideration. Violent tempers, mood swings, possessive, and addictive personalities are very common to Pisces. Many are apt to deal with depression, jealousies, and feelings of inadequacy or unexplained sadness. Sometimes living in their own fantasy world with their head in the clouds makes the landing on Earth a crash and burn reality. Pisces need to learn to not transfer their own feelings of unhappiness or inadequacy onto their loved ones, or they may end up terribly alone. Also, when a Pisces has made up their mind, they can be incredibly loyal to that decision, which can be a heavy burden on those who don’t agree.

Best Matches: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn, Cancer, Scorpio

Taurus thrives in the home and needs to feel protected, secure, and loved. Taurus, after all, is in love with the idea of love—wishing that the world is full of romance and sex. In comes Pisces, who, with a wave of a wand, can make all their dreams seem true. Both signs are also drawn to the intensity of touch and are very ethereal. They aren’t afraid to explore their sexuality together and see what happens in the bedroom. Spiritual conversations, intense emotional bonds, and a sense of comfort comes easily when these two signs are paired together. They will be best friends and lovers, which is, after all, the sweetest thing. Famous Couples: Javier Bardem (Pisces) and Penelope Cruz (Taurus), Cindy Crawford (Pisces) and Randy Gerber (Taurus), Eva Longoria (Pisces) and Tony Parker (Taurus), Liza Minnelli (Pisces) and David Gest (Taurus)

Virgo is Pisces perfect astrological opposite. This is to say that they can either be a great couple, or a horrible one. While Pisces may find making a decision hard, Virgo is more apt to say “this is what you do and how you do it.” And when both are stuck for a decision, the over-analytical Virgo and the dreamlike Pisces can sit together for hours arriving at the best decision and exploring all the pro’s and con’s of the situation. Virgo enjoys Pisces mystical and seemingly innocent (and slightly neurotic) side; Pisces delights in Virgo’s purity and strength. Virgo is always reliable when it comes to Pisces because a Virgo always feels the need to protect or nurture their wounded partner. However, Virgo can easily become annoyed with Pisces’ inconsistencies and inability to make decisions. Pisces can feel over-analyzed and criticized by Virgo. The truth is that both are at fault here by simply being who they are. Famous Couples: Cindy Crawford (Pisces) and Richard Gere (Virgo), Emily Blunt (Pisces) and Michael Buble (Virgo)

Capricorn’s drive, stamina, and discipline provide the backbone that the Pisces has always been searching for. Capricorns know how to get things done and get them done right, especially in business and finance. They seldom question their actions and just go for it, something which a Pisces can’t help but admire. Also, since Pisces tends to spend money a bit more recklessly, they benefit greatly by Capricorn’s shrewd financial planning and investment advice. So what does the Pisces bring to the table? Capricorns tend to be aloof and not evolved emotionally speaking—these goats can be a bit too harsh and cold while climbing to the top of that mountain. That’s where Pisces comes in, softening the rough edges of the Capricorn and calming them down, telling them when they are being inappropriate, mean, or too damn cold-hearted. Famous Couples: Penny Lancaster (Pisces) and Rod Stewart (Capricorn), Christine Baumgartner (Pisces) and Kevin Costner (Capricorn), Pat Nixon (Pisces) and Richard Nixon (Capricorn)

Cancer will feel at home in Pisces deep emotional waters; these two literally are as happy as a crab (Cancer) and a fish (Pisces) swimming together in the vast ocean. They are both emotional, sensitive and moody, and feel as if they have found their perfect soul mate in each other. Whether it is staying at home for a nice evening by candlelight, or reading a book in the corner of the living room while sipping on a nightcap, these two simply enjoy each other’s comforting presence. Cancer is a very witty and driven sign, as is Pisces, and together their conversations will flow smoothly and easily. More importantly, neither sign is afraid to call the other out on their BS, and knows when to leave well enough alone. Their union will be mystical, and their bond intensive and somewhat possessive, but that’s how they both roll when it comes to love. At the very least, both of them will be able to understand each other’s emotional volatility. Famous Couples: Kurt Cobain (Pisces) and Courtney Love (Cancer), Johnny Cash (Pisces) and June Carter Cash (Cancer), Vanessa Williams (Pisces) and Rick Fox (Cancer)

Scorpio’s more intense, sensual qualities invigorate Pisces to feel more sexual and sensual—these two will certainly have a romantically charged relationship where feelings and emotions seem very heightened and magnified. Both are very spiritual signs and will be drawn to an alternative lifestyle together and will judge each other rarely, and love each other permanently. They may not marry, but they will happily spend the rest of their lives together. Intellectual stimulation and friendship rules this couple first and foremost, but a healthy physical attraction is definitely there. They both sense what the other needs (for Scorpio, they need space and freedom, especially from judgment; for Pisces, they need attention, coddling, and adoration). Famous Couples: Kurt Russell (Pisces) and Goldie Hawn (Scorpio), Bruce Willis (Pisces) and Demi Moore (Scorpio), Michael Bolton (Pisces) and Nicollette Sheridan (Scorpio), Tom Arnold (Pisces) and Roseanne (Scorpio), Julia Cameron (Pisces) and Martin Scorsese (Scorpio), Elizabeth Taylor (Pisces) and Richard Burton (Scorpio), Alan Greenspan (Pisces) and Andrea Mitchell (Scorpio)

Worst Matches: Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius, Pisces

Gemini’s mercurial wit and personality certainly charms the Pisces, who is mesmerized by Gemini’s social persona. Both signs are mutable, meaning they are able to adapt to the energy or changes in a room/environment. Their flexibility will be essential in making this pair last. Pisces may want to cling or attach themselves to Gemini’s rollercoaster ride—and it may last for a short while. That is, until the Gemini is tired of being bored by Pisces’ sensitive or possessive nature, desire to stay home, or depressive/quiet moods. The only thing Pisces would love to chat about non-stop is the way they are feeling about a situation, which is probably the quickest way to lose a Gemini who can’t STAND to talk about their feelings all the time and would probably prefer talking to a wall instead. Pisces can be too unreliable and unstable for Gemini, who needs a partner who will ground them and their flighty twins. That being said, if a Gemini has been wounded in love before, and craves a nurturing and committed soul, a Pisces may just fit the bill. Famous Couples: Seal (Pisces/Aquarius cusp) and Heidi Klum (Gemini), Drew Barrymore (Pisces) and Justin Long (Gemini), Ivana Trump (Pisces) and Donald Trump (Gemini), Drew Barrymore (Pisces) and Fabrizio Moretti (Gemini), Callista Gingrich (Pisces) and Newt Gingrich (Gemini)

Sagittarius and Pisces, at some point, will find themselves together. It doesn’t normally last long, and it normally doesn’t end well, but nonetheless, it is a trap they often fall into. Sagittarius falls for Pisces unworldly and imaginative persona. They are so intriguing and ethereal, that the Sagittarius feels challenged to “capture” the Pisces. It is important to note that this pairing is more common when the man is the Sagittarius and the woman is the Pisces. The female Pisces will fall for the charming Sagittarius man who is adventurous, funny and goal-oriented. As she is typically weak on those traits, she feels incredibly drawn to this “foreign” energy and wants to be a part of it for a while. Likewise, the Sagittarius man is humbled by the emotional, sensitive, and creative Pisces woman—she seems so delicate and charming and perfect. That is, until she starts crying because she doesn’t have his attention, or when she complains he doesn’t love her or show his emotions enough. The Sag gets annoyed by the wishy-washy Pisces and her inability to make a decision. Angers flare and the Pisces woman throws a bucket of water over the enraged fiery Sagittarius…and then it is over. Famous Couples: Chris Webber (Pisces) and Tyra Banks (Sag)

Leo is sexual and shows love and emotions easily (and demands a lot of attention), so at the very least, a Pisces and a Leo will not worry about expressing their feelings accordingly. Since Leo likes being in charge and telling others what to do, and Pisces is looking to be told what to do, this pair can actually work. HOWEVER, Leo hates whining and hates being held back by emotionally weakness, such as manipulation, depression, or moodiness. And Pisces do that oh-so-well. As long as Leo can handle Pisces’ emotional persona, and Pisces won’t take Leo’s bossiness as a symbol of domination, they may find love together. At the very least, they will find great sex. Famous Couples: Justin Beiber (Pisces) and Selena Gomez (Leo/Cancer Cusp), Tea Leoni (Pisces) and David Duchovny (Leo), Elizabeth Taylor (Pisces) and Eddie Fisher (Leo), Desi Arnaz (Pisces) and Lucille Ball (Leo), Lauren Graham (Pisces) and Peter Krause (Leo)

Two Pisces together is a disaster. Too many emotions, too little motivation, and far too little direction, leaves these two a complete mess together. Pisces needs a more practical counterpart (or backbone) to make it in this world. Famous Couples: Rachel Weisz and Daniel Craig

Surprisingly Good Matches: Aquarius, Aries, Libra

Aquarius has a natural humanitarian instinct, which appeals to the nurturing Pisces. Yet, these two can have a limited fuse for one another. Aquarius tends to be too unemotional or unstable for the sensitive Pisces. While the Aquarius wants to be out and about, socialize and meet new people, the Pisces hates crowds or social events and prefers to be a loner and either stay at home, or watch and observe the crowd. Pisces do better in a one-on-one capacity with someone they know, and nothing, NOTHING, is as boring to an Aquarian as someone who doesn’t know how to carry a conversation with a complete stranger. Aquarius also tends to be a hard worker and puts in long hours at the office, always focusing on making money or vast improvements in the world. While Pisces respects this, they tend to thrive more on balance. Where they will understand one another is in trying to help mankind improve itself. They may pursue it from different angles (Aquarius thinks big, whereas Pisces thinks on a smaller scale), but pursue it they will. Both signs are incredibly charming, so they can channel their flirtatious personas into a very sexy relationship IF they are willing to understand one another’s differences and realize the treasure they have found in one another. If Aquarius is smart enough to acknowledge how lucky they are to have a soulful Pisces in their life to calm them down, and if Pisces is willing to admit they need Aquarius to motivate them to be the best person they can be, then they wouldn’t be such a bad couple after all. They could be great, in fact. Famous Couples: Jessica Biel (Pisces) and Justin Timberlake (Aquarius), Rachel Weisz (Pisces) and Darren Aronofsky (Aquarius), Elizabeth Taylor (Pisces) and John Warner (Aquarius), Stedman Graham (Pisces) and Oprah Winfrey (Aquarius), Paul Newman (Aquarius) and Joanne Woodward (Pisces)

Aries can be very superficial and needs to be in the spotlight at all times. Since Pisces can be turned off by excessive material wealth, this can be a weird match. BUT, if the man is the Aries in this picture, and the female is a Pisces, then there is some hope. A female Pisces loves being taken care of and loves feeling rich, decked out in jewels, fur coats, and expensive décor. She almost has a childlike delight at feeling like the princess in her own fairytale world. The Aries man thrives in providing her all of these things, especially since she looks so great in them and she is so appreciative of these gifts. He provides her not only with material security, but also a sense of adventure. If she doesn’t get jealous of his flirtatious character, and he doesn’t get bothered by her clingy behavior, they can really work well together. Famous Couples: Freddie Prinze Jr. (Pisces) and Sarah Michelle Gellar (Aries), Mitt Romney (Pisces) and Ann Romney (Aries)

Libra is all about harmony, balance, aesthetic pleasure, and peace. For this reason, Pisces can’t help but feel attracted to the world their charming Libra has created for them. As long as Pisces isn’t bothered by Libra’s social personality and constant over-analyzing, and Pisces doesn’t pull their infamous bouts of rage or temper tantrums, these two can co-exist very happily together. They just need to understand that their temperaments and personalities are different—but not different enough to give them a shot at trying it out. The Libra is a go-getter, planner and motivator. All of which are Pisces’ weakest traits. The Pisces is emotionally thoughtful, purposeful and sensitive, all of which can sometimes be Libra’s weakest traits. This pair can be a ying to the other’s yang if the stars are aligned correctly when they meet. Famous Couples: Chris Martin (Pisces) and Gwyneth Paltrow (Libra), Jon Bon Jovi (Pisces) and Dorothea Hurley (Libra), Dana Reeve (Pisces) and Christopher Reeve (Libra), Joel Madden (Pisces) and Hilary Duff (Libra)

Sunday, October 21, 2007

The Apple that doesn't fall far from the tree...

Ever notice we tend to fall for our own fathers? mothers? whoever-it-was-that-raised-us? Sure, Freud has a lot to say about this subject, as does modern psychology in general...but astrology has its' own 2 cents to throw in as well.

Freud called it the Electra or Oedipus complex when we fall for the parent of the opposite sex. He hypothesized that we are chemically/psychologically triggered to be attracted by our opposite sex parent because we have competition with our same sex parent for their affection (needless to say, Freud was kinda screwy when it came to ideas of love and sex...and he was a Taurus-- go figure!)

OK, so that's a whole lot of psycho babble to get into for such an innocent blog...but my point is that psychologists have a whole practice/science based on this theory. And they shouldn't be the only ones to play the game!

Take a moment and think very, very hard on the following questions:

What is your father's sign?
What is your mother's sign?

Now, of course, if you weren't raised by your parents, please refer to the sign of your number one caretaker for this exercise.

OK, got their birthday(s) down? It shouldn't be that hard to think about. If it was too challenging of an exercise, well...are you serious?! I am fairly sure that if you parents forgot YOUR birthday, you would be pissed too. Plus, as you will soon find out, this is important information for you to know, kinda like your blood type or whether you are an organ donor. Serious stuff here, kids.

Now, keeping your parents' signs in mind, think about all the signs that you are surrounded with in your life in terms of friends, bosses, co-workers, and most importantly, your partner. Think of whether you tend to HATE or LOVE particular signs.

Hmm...starting to notice a pattern? Are you starting to see that all your friends are either Leo's or Capricorn's? Can you see that your enemies all tend to be Pisces and Aries? That your bosses and co-workers tend to be predominantly Gemini's or Scorpio's? That your natural inclination is to loathe Aquarians but love Taureans? That your lovers/partners/spouses tend to all be Virgo's or Sagittarian's?

And, more importantly, do you notice that these signs tend to be comparable (if not the same) as your parents? Do you find yourself comfortable with certain signs, especially in certain areas of our lives (work, friends, lovers)? Say you joke that you always fall for a Virgo, well...think about it: is your Mom a Virgo? your Dad? Do the Virgo's you always fall for remind you of your astrologically-same parent? Likewise, do you find yourself hating or distrusting people who have the same signs? Are those signs similar (if not the same) as your parent(s) that you have a "difficult" relationship(s) with?

This isn't a coincidence, folks. This is an astrological clusterf**k, or for a PG-rated version, this is what we call "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree."

Now, since this blog is predominantly about LOVE, I am going to focus on the strange coincidence that we tend to fall for our parents in most (if not all) of our relationships. But if you are more focused on your career or friends, then simply change any mention of love below to career, co-workers, friends, enemies, etc. You get the jist.

So, for example: you are a Libra woman. You always fall for Scorpio men. Ironically, your Mom is a Scorpio and your Dad is an Libra. You happen to be extremely close to your mother.

Now, this is clearly a "no-brainer" exercise because it is SO obvious. You are looking/always falling for your MOTHER (ha, you thought I was going to use the obvious father scenario, eh? Just attempting to keep you on your toes!). In the above scenario, note that you are extremely close to your mother. So, in looking for your perfect "Prince Charming" you are looking for a man who has the same qualities as your Mom...they both approach and demonstrate love in very similar ways/patterns. To you, this is what love is and how it manifests itself because it is all you have ever known. Since they both are the same sign, you have basically had a lifetime experience of knowing what it is like to experience the love of a Scorpio and are comfortable with all their nuances, eccentricities, etc. So, consciously or not, you seek in your love life what is already familiar to you…you seek what you have always grown up with and known.

Likewise, the relationship eccentricities between your Scorpio Mom and Libra Dad are COMFORTABLE to you and you understand them. In trying to find a comparable/same sign as your Mom, you are also recreating the relationship she had with your Dad (for this specific scenario at least). Of course, it could be even simpler if your Dad is the Scorpio and your Mom is the Libra, hence, you always fall for your father. But “All roads lead to Rome”, as they say, so the same theory applies even if we are talking about the opposite sex parent. Either way, you fall for the familiar. Consciously or not, we refer to our parents' relationship as a model of how relationships are, should be, or how you would like them to be.

I am not knocking you over with a feather when I say that this doesn't always happen so cut and dry. So, look a little broader. You are an Earth sign (Capricorn, Taurus or Virgo) and you always fall for a Fire sign (Aries, Leo or Sagittarius) and your favorite parent is a Fire sign too. OR, look at it from the flip side of the same coin: you tend to always fall for the sign/element of the parent you have the most difficulties with in an effort to become close to someone who reminds you of them. So, in this scenario, you are a Taurus woman and your Pisces father left you and your Mom when you were young. Despite all the issues you have with your father, you find yourself always falling for a Pisces man. Could this be your way of finding the love you lost? Of trying to have a similar personality loving you? Am I sounding too much like an after-school special or an Oprah episode? Sorry, but the reality is that whether you believe in astrology or not, there is SOME part of you that thinks "Oh, my Mom/Dad is that sign too!" It is human nature to want to connect things and make smaller pieces a part of a bigger whole.

It's a real kick in the head, eh?

The point is...we fall for what we know. And who do we know better than our parents? Even if they can be annoying, over-bearing, loud, embarrassing, etc, you still love them for it. So, go out there and find someone who reminds you of them and happens to share their sign/element. At the very least, you can find comfort in the fact that when/if you ever introduce your new boyfriend/girlfriend to your mother or father, they are sure to already like them and relate well to their psycho personality! Takes one to know one…


Next Up: The Stars Incline…They Do Not Define.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

When going retro doesn't feel so cool...

Oh God. It's back. Again. Literally. Mercury is going in retrograde this week.

Watch out.

If I am sounding ominous, it's because I mean to be. On October 11th (late p.m.) that little f***er Mercury is gonna start running itself backwards for an ENTIRE 3 WEEKS. And if you think you have until then to prepare yourself, you DON'T. He's already starting to slowly gear himself up for the backwards marathon, stretching his legs, drinking water, and getting all prepped for the run (in astrology, this is called "Mercury's Shadow"). I keep waiting for this planet to stop doing this to himself. And to ME. And he doesn't. And you know what? He likes to do it too often. Three times a year to be precise. It's as if Mercury ENJOYS running backwards. I mean, even a hamster runs FORWARD on its' wheel despite knowing it isn't going anywhere.

Now, if you know me well, you know this is about the time I declare myself a hermit for the next several weeks, pull the blanket over my head and just decide to wait out the whole mess until this f***er decides to start moving forward again. As a Gemini, I am ruled and influenced by Mercury and his whacky actions. So when this planet goes backwards it wrecks havoc on my life and of those around me. In other words, If HE goes backwards, so do WE. And for all you Virgo's laughing and snickering out there...guess what? You are ruled by Mercury too. So, join my pity bash, um, I mean, "party."

And even if you AREN'T a Gemini or a Virgo, you are STILL affected by this retrograde period. No one is left unscathed. No. One.

Mercury is gonna keep up with this sinister plan of his until November 1st, but it won't be until November 17th that the effects (or skid-marks) of his retro trip will wear off. God. A month of misery. Some experience the torture the entire time Mercury is running his race; others will only experience discomfort during the transition in AND out of this phase (in other words, you are there to send him off and you are there to welcome him back). Either way, you will end up paying the piper.

For the first half of his retro trippin', Mercury is going to run with his pal, Scorpio. And take note: when Mercury grabs a buddy sign to go on this tri-annual run of his, that sign is NOT happy. So, instead of the sign bringing along its' POSITIVE side to cheer up Mercury, it gets MAD and yells at Mercury for tricking him/her into this ridiculous adventure.

So, Mercury retrograde in Scorpio means a period of intense introspection where we will reconsider all of our views, opinions and decisions. Mercury will be susceptible to the following negative attributes of his dear friend Scorpio: mental and emotional confusion, skepticism, dark thoughts, sarcasm and conspiracy theories. Damn that Goth Scorpio. Hope it brings along its' intense sex drive for the run...now that could make the trip all the more worthwhile!

When Mercury gets tired of Scorpio's Darth Vader crap, it's going to ditch Scorpio and pick up Libra for a new perspective on October 24th. You would think that Libra, being so harmonious and balanced, would be a good backwards running partner for Mercury, huh? Nope. What have I told you about that neurotic Libra? When it doesn't feel balanced, it goes INSANE. At least Scorpio likes to feel twisted and f%^* up. So when October 24th hits, watch out for trouble with lawsuits, unfaithful partners, lack of nutrition and health (drink LOTS of water and exercise), and problems with arrangements.

Double check EVERYTHING. Don't leave ANYTHING up to chance. Make no assumptions. Trust no one.

When Mercury takes its' retro trip, no matter which sign he takes along for fun, he likes to make sure the following areas of your life get screwed up:

Communications: be clear about what you say and how you say it, misunderstandings or wrong assumptions are ripe for the picking; also you will experience problems with phones, e-mails or internet connections
Electronics: do NOT, I repeat, do NOT, purchase any electronics during this period or they will break down on you or you will have to spend a lot of money on repairs; appliances you already own may break down on you as well
Travel: try not to BOOK any travel during this time as you will most likely end up with many delays or cancellations when you actually take your trip due to poor planning and oversights; it is also highly adviseable to avoid TAKING trips as delays are inevitable (or, worse yet, lost luggage or wrong arrival and departure times)
Major purchases: hold off on making a big purchase, specifically in real estate, electronics or long term commitments...you could end up suffering the wrath of a bad financial decision for a LONG time to come
Transportation: different from Travel--watch out for mechanical issues, breakdowns and problems with anything from your plane to the train, bus, car, or heaven forbid you own one...your bike; accidents are more likely to happen, so don't speed!

Basically, Mercury makes it very easy for misunderstandings to occur from a lack of coordination and communication due to over-looked issues, flaws or lack of careful planning. Since Mercury is the master communicator, it gets all confused when it runs backwards (kinda like not being able to pat your head and rub your stomach at the same time).

In an attempt to put in a slightly positive spin, I should insert that Mercury in retrograde isn't ENTIRELY bad. If you have been working hard on a project, mission or goal, it can come into fruition during a Mercury retro trip. If you were making major decisions BEFORE Mercury went retro, they may go into action or become finalized DURING retro with very few problems since everything was established beforehand. Some lucky people out there will actually experience a lot of prosperity under a Mercury retro trip, especially if Mercury is retro in their birth chart (they like the backwards run, they were born that way). It also gives us time to really think and evaluate our life, our decisions and what's important to us. And sometimes, that's a necessary thing which can help us be happier later on. So, it's not entirely mean of Mercury to tackle this adventure.

Many planets do this, you know. They have periods of moving in retrograde, some lasting longer than others. I should clarify here that they don't actually MOVE backwards, it just appears that they do (it's like a haunted mirror "funhouse" that the Solar System likes to pull...things aren't what they appear). And in case you still don't think that retrograde seems like a "bad thing" (um, have you carefully read this post?), just realize this: when ANY planet goes in retrograde, what is basically happening is the equivalent of The Wheel of Fortune in a Tarot Deck. Fated events happen beyond your control and a series of occurences will rapidly begin to happen which can basically spit you out at any point or turn your life upside down...fun, huh?

And the best part of all of this is that sometimes planets like to do this TOGETHER. That's right. It's like the bathroom buddy system of the Solar System...they don't like to go alone. Or they tag-team one another like the passing of the Olympic Torch; when one moves forward it passes the torch to the next planet to start moving backwards. For example, Mars is going into retrograde starting November 15, 2007 until January 30, 2008!! That's a mighty long time. And to make it WORSE, the effects of Mars in retrograde will continue until April 4, 2008, when he begins actually going direct. Thankfully, Mars only goes retro once every 26 months, so it isn't a common occurence, unlike Mercury which goes retro 3 times PER YEAR. With Mercury phasing out of its' retro trip in early-mid November, and Mars gearing up early November for its' mid-November run...it's not going to be pretty. Mars is going retro in CANCER. Emotional, sensitive, pensive and moody CANCER for basically 5 MONTHS. Not to mention that it is historically known and proven that when Mars goes retrograde...wars always happen. Uh-oh. This is not a good foreboding...

But I am too depressed to go into that now. Let's save that topic for mid-November, that is, if my computer hasn't crashed beforehand.


Next Up: The Apple that doesn't fall far from the tree...

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Sometimes you feel like a nut...sometimes you don't.

So in our last super scientific poll on this blog "Do you think your sign accurately reflects your personality?" a whopping majority of you answered "All the time!"

That's incredible!

While many of us are "lucky" enough to fall under such a definitive category (well, define "lucky"...sucks if you have a crappy sign and are true to those violent mood swings and lack social skills), many of us still don't relate entirely to our sun sign. Of course, if you are a cusp sign, it gets even trickier (for those who are a bit behind, read the blog posted below on cusps).

So, on par with my favorite candy bar "tag line" commercial (see title of blog if you are feeling a bit "slow" today), sometimes you feel like a [insert sign]...sometimes you don't. It's amazing how you can read all about your sign and sometimes it's so YOU, and other times you just feel your parents lied about when you were born because you couldn't possibly be that sign. Sometimes, it just doesn't sound like you, does it? Ever questioned why? I mean, it's frustrating, isn't it?

Some of you are nodding your heads as you read this (though according to my super scientific poll from last week, it's not many of you seeing as your sign accurately reflects your personality "All of the time!"). For those of you who answered "Rarely" or "Sometimes" or "Never" you probably fall under one of the two following categories: half of you will question the situation and think "Why am I not a typical Libra?" and go about researching or finding out more about your own sign; the other half will say "Screw astrology, it's all BS anyways." SHAME on you if you fall in the latter category! After all, astrology IS the oldest science that exists...and just like traditions, there is a reason it has lasted so long.

So for those who ARE smart enough to dig a little deeper, you probably already know what I am going to tell you: you have not ONE, but TEN (that's a 1-0) SIGNS in your astrological chart. So just because your sun sign is in Libra (they get the nod since it's their birthday month, so calm down all you Leo's out there) doesn't mean you are a TRUE Libra. You have 9 other major planets, not even including your rising sign, to answer to. Also, just to further confuse things, all these major planets could be in completely different (and non-compatible) signs, all making for an eclectic astrological chart that delves far deeper into your personality than what the astrology section of a magazine says. So when you say "I don't feel like a true Libra", you are probably right! I'll bet your Capricorn Moon and Cancer Mars on it!

OK, many of you may be thinking "Wait, what? We have 9 other signs?" and "What's this about Capricorn Moon and Cancer Mars?" and "What's a RISING sign?" I am not the most scientifically-oriented person out there (sorry), but here is a quick astrological/science lesson (call it Science for Dummies): there are 10 planets, including the Sun, in our solar system (for astrological purposes, Pluto is still a planet). When you were born, each planet resided in a particular sign (this is a very mathematical and scientific chart that astronomers use). The sign each planet was in at the exact time of your birth influences different aspects of your life, personality, future, desires, goals, fears, etc. So, while you were born under the Libra Sun (dates ranging from September 23-October 22), your 9 other planets (Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus and Pluto) were residing in other signs.

Each planet defines a particular aspect of your personality/psyche. The sign that "empowers" that planet will heavily influence that aspect of your personality. Here is a brief synopsis:

Major Planets-
Moon: Your inner-emotional self (what you don't show to the world)
Mercury: How you communicate
Venus: How you love
Mars: How you fight/resolve issues and face problems

Other Planets-
Saturn: Your karma planet (past karmic issues you have to deal with in this current life)
Jupiter: Your personal drive for growth, intelligence and improvement; our sense of optimism and an indicator of our own personal "good luck"
Uranus: How you react to change and express yourself; personal and social freedom; originality of thought and expression
Pluto: Transformation and regeneration; rules destruction, death and "secrecy"; spiritual matters

Once you know which sign each planet is in, you can better understand your personality and how each sign rules that area of your life.

Let's take a real-life example. Say you are a flighty, witty, commitment-adverse Gemini. You like to have fun in relationships and keep things light and volatile. You loathe routines and hate feeling "tied down." Well, at least that's what your horoscope says! But YOU? YOU are a deeply emotional Gemini who thrives on love, commitment, needs to always be in a relationship and likes to have a deep soul connection with your partner. You tend to be dependent on your partner and need a lot of verbal affirmation and coddling from them because you can be VERY sensitive to criticism. That doesn't sound like a typical Gemini, does it? Well, I will be willing to bet your Venus (the planet of love) is in a more emotional sign such as Cancer, Pisces or even Scorpio. So while you act like a Gemini, you LOVE like another sign...make sense? Kinda? Sorta?

And then there is your Rising Sign. This sign is the influence of another sign directly on your Sun Sign. If your Rising Sign is the same as your Sun Sign...woah, talk about feeling that your horoscope is accurate "All of the time!" But most people don't have the same Sun and Rising Sign, so definitely find out what your Rising is. Many professional astrological sites suggest that when you read your horoscope for your Sun Sign, you should also read the horoscope for your Rising Sign as well. That is how powerful your Rising is. More to follow on this subject on another post...

By now you should be slowly getting a general gist of how intricate your astrological chart and personality are other than a simple "I am a Libra, nuff said." Because, really, there is SO SO SO much more to be said.

I am hoping that right now you are SO intrigued by all of this that you are already scrolling over to the left hand side of my blog and clicking on the links under the FREE birth chart section (there's that shameless promo for "FREE" again). It's not scary, it doesn't take more than 5 seconds to figure out, and it's a lot of fun...certainly more entertaining than working on your actual JOB, right?

Once you type in your birth information (birthday, EXACT time of birth, location of birth) , you will get a copy of your astrological wheel as well as a long list of all your major planets along with your nodes, rising sign, and houses in each planet/sign. It's pretty lengthy, but it's all about YOU, so you should enjoy it! If you have any specific questions, please contact me...


Next Up: When going retro doesn't feel so cool...