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March | April 2014 Volume 40 Number 2 T H E N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E S A N D I E G O A S T R O L O G I C A L S O C I E T Y March Meeting April M e e t i n g friday, march 14 7:30 p m friday, april 11 7:30 p m History of House Systems: K enneth M iller From Castles to Condos –Kenneth Miller– What is absent from most astrologers’ educations is knowledge of the origins of the different astrological house systems, what they mean, and why and when you may want to choose one house system over another. Maybe you and/or your teacher swear by “Placidus” houses, but how do we explain the great results obtained by other famous astrologers using Equal, Koch, or Regiomontanus house systems? The extremely knowledgeable, creative, and versatile astrologer, SDAS member Kenneth Miller, will enlighten us on this topic—and will do so while entertaining us. With the aid of two hula hoops and an orange, (we don’t think he’s kidding on this) Kenneth will explain how each house system is made, WITHOUT THE USE OF ANY MATH! If you can visualize a circle, you will leave this lecture with the ability to explain to your friends and colleagues exactly how you arrived at your house cusps! Eliminate forever the embarrassment some practicing astrologers feel from not understanding why we cut the houses the way we do. And find out the common denominator underlying ALL house systems! Don’t miss this essential lecture for your astrological education. Don’t miss the HULA HOOPS! Kenneth took a very early interest in Western astrology, casting his first charts by hand at age 13. By his college years, he was an amateur astrologer, seeing the occasional client and teaching the occasional class. (Continued on page 2) D on C erow It’s a shame, but every time I get something scientific in the script, I read up to find out what I’m talking about—but then I’m on to the next script and it’s forgotten. –Jim Parsons, Aries contents from the editor 2 Feel the fear... from the Prez 3 Grand Cross thoughts a look at the moon’s nodes 4 by Joyce Wehrman directions for astrolology 5 Words of wisdom from Uncle Mikey (Lutin) P u t ti n g S tarligh t B a ck I n t o M yth –Don Cerow– “When our ancestors gazed upon the stars thousands of years ago they looked up into the center of Creation and saw a mighty Dragon, a great celestial serpent with wings circling ceaselessly above them, night after night, century after century:” so says SDAS’ April speaker, Don Cerow, And that’s a great way to start a lecture. Don will lead us through the importance of this simple astronomical observation that helped facilitate the study of the calendar, navigation, farming and social organization. The circuit of the seasons was marked by this cadence with the moving center guarding the position of the equatorial and zodiacal circle for literally thousands of years. The secret of the circle was hidden in its center, so its true center had to be accurately observed and determined or the entire system would be off. This is a presentation about discovery, following the mythology of various cultures as it evolved into astrology and modern astronomy, focusing primarily on what today’s astrologers would today call the Ages of Gemini, Taurus and Aries. Don is author of the recently released (and impressive) When the Dragon Wore the Crown, a ground breaking book that covers a period of over six thousand years. The book opens and closes with the Chinese mythological tradition and touches on Sumerian, Babylonian, Phoenician, Hindu, (Continued on page 2) from the editor Francesca Smith S o that all-encompassing grand cross is looming in the not-so-distant distance. Word on the street is , if you ’ re lucky enough to have something anywhere around 13 degrees anything , you ’ d I tend to share J im S her ’ s notion that fear can be a great teacher when it is acknowledged rather than ignored. Uncertainty never my strong point. Give me a script tells us that we are freer—we have more free choice then anytime, even if it’s mostly silence and than at other times. Sounds good in theory. In the midst reaction. But improv? On stage, as in of this little paradigm shift, I personally get to experience life, I am the kind of person who needs to know that what Saturn squaring my natal Pluto—twice—and passing over I say, the actions I take, will all come out OK in the end. my Ascendant — again—in the process. No worries. Lots It’s all written down, it’s in the script; it’s the way it’s supand lots of freedom to look forward to. Lots. My planet of posed to be. So it was with much trepidation that I walked freedom, Uranus, is in Cancer, holding hands with Merinto the first class, having no idea what to expect, and cury one degree over, with Ceres sandwiched in between expecting to be totally humiliated.Which didn’t happen. the two. Oh I’m all about freedom. So long as it’s safe. Reality check: I’m a Gemini. As mentioned previously, So the big players in this upcoming cosmic square I also have Mercury conjunct Uranus (OK, so it’s in Candance —Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, and Pluto—how do you cer, I deal). They—along with almost every other planet think they’ll play together? Mars being retrograde cerin the solar system—are in my eighth house. Do the math. tainly doesn’t help matters. My experience of that, on a This was a leap of faith. I was taken far out of my comfort much smaller scale, is things tend to implode. And being zone. But I did it anyway. On the walk back to my car after in Libra... oh that can’t be pretty. So... do we put everythat first class, one of the other students said to me, “You thing on hold, batten down our respective hatches, and are so funny—you have so much energy!” I was floored; it try to remain in a state of suspended animation for a few was such a far cry from the report cards that I always got months—or do we take the Pollyanna approach (my own declaring that I did not “work up to my potential”, and my personal favorite), and look for that silver lining? OK, it’s own report card that I continuously have to have a check gotta be there somewhere. Really. It does. on my energy level—don’t get too excited about anything, In what appeared to be a random Mercury-Uranus moat least don’t show it; what you want will inevitably be taken ment, I signed up for a 6-week improv workshop at the away. So it appears I am experiencing my own personal National Comedy Theatre. I have no clue what possessed grand cross of sorts. As they say, feel the fear and do it me at the time. But as the date of the first class drew near, anyway. Screw the seatbelts. Happy Grand Cross, everyI seriously began to doubt my sanity. I grew up being a one! u teenage actor in New York City, but improvisation was — Beannachtaí best fasten your seatbelt . (Kenneth Miller continued from page 1) (Don Cerow continued from page 1) He transitioned from amateur to professional astrologer in 2005. Since then he has been active seeing clients, researching, and recently completed his master’s degree in the history of astrology. Kenneth is skilled in both Vedic and Western astrology. In addition to being a certified Indian astrologer, he has studied Hellenistic astrology with Demetra George and Robert Schmidt, medieval astrology with Robert Zoller, and Renaissance astrology with Lee Lehman. He is one of the few professional astrologers with a working knowledge of all four of these traditions. He holds an ACVA Level II and CVA’s Jyotish Kovid certificates, and has also studied in India where he earned the title of Fellow of the Institute of Vedic Astrology (FIVA). He practices astrology in San Diego. For more information about Kenneth, please visit www.celestialintelligencer.net. u Norse, Native American and even Mayan myths, weaving together many of their celestial serpentine similarities. Don’s interest in astrology has been how astrology evolved from the mythology and astronomy of ancient civilizations. He’s produced shows for radio and TV including a multi-media show for planetariums. He is a certified NCGR Level IV astrologer and a featured speaker at conferences. Check out his website and blog at www.athenasweb.com u j | 2 | T h e U ra nia n | March / April 2014 U P C O M IN G E V ENTS May Arlene Hougland JunBazaar July Debi Keil-Levitt November Rick Levine December Solstice Party from the president Jim Hennum The big talk this spring is all about the Cardinal Grand Cross that happens in April. And it’s certainly nothing to sneeze at from an astrological perspective—we’ve got big players at work here: Jupiter, Pluto, Uranus, and Mars each staking out their own corner of the cross, with Mars military is not nearly as prepared as the and Pluto retrograde as well. And while Saturn isn’t involved powers-that-be thought it was. in the configuration, it, too is retrograde, so the stability it usuThe thing I have noticed with these ally lends may not be as available as one might hope. grand configurations that everyone gets the heebie-jeebies One note of hope, perhaps, is that Jupiter is in the sign of its over is that they seem to be far worse in our radar than they are exaltation (Cancer), while Mars is in the sign of its fall (Libra). when they are actually upon us or in our rear-view mirror reMars, a traditional malefic planet, has little oomph to make ceding. And, having said that, I know there are any number of trouble when in the sign of its fall, although it isn’t above a astrologers who can point to various ominous configurations little under-handed activity there. Jupiter has expansive room in the past and the horrific events that transpired in their lives to allow growth, and is probably eager to resume after being at that time. retrograde the past several months. Uranus in Aries, is ruled by So, I’m not going to say we’re all going to come out of this Mars, so whatever menace Uranus hopes to stir up, really gets throwing lilacs in the air while we dance around the maypole very little help from Mars, as Mars has little power to act. singing “tra-la-la” and “fiddle-de-dee.” But I think recognizing Pluto in Capricorn is looking to completely reform the that humanity has survived and even thrived after the darkcorporate world. My take on this, along with Jupiter being in est of times is worth our consideration. If this nasty line-up Cancer, is that Jupiter will do its best to protect the families gives your world a tumble, maybe the best thing to do is to see in this world while the corporations strain to maintain their how other people in the past overcame their adversities and rapidly-changing oligarchies. Powers-that-be looking to lean thrived. And if you are one of those at the maypole, invite on the military to enforce outdated oppression may find the me over—I can belt out a pretty mean “fiddle-de-dee.” u military is not as willing to be at their beck-and-call as they were in the past (Mars ruling the military). Or perhaps the — Jim Thoughts for a Grand Cross What would it mean to live in a city whose people were changing each other’s despair into hope? — You yourself must change it.— what would it feel like to know your country was changing? — You yourself must change it. — Though your life felt arduous new and unmapped and strange what would it mean to stand on the first page of the end of despair? In addition to April 15th being the Full Moon, it is also a total lunar eclipse. — Adrienne Rich “Dreams Before Waking”, 1983 And your taxes are due. q T h e U ra nia n | March / April 2014 |3| The Moon’ s Nodes By Joyce C. Wehrman R eprint of an article by former SDAS president J oyce W ehrman that first appeared in T he U ranian in A pril , 1988. I n Reinhold Ebertin’s book, Combination of Stellar Influences, the node is referred to as: Principle: Association or alliance Psychological Correspondence: Adaptability, the urge to unite with others, sociableness [sic], good fellowship, obliging manner...OR Lack of adaptability, unsociableness [sic], anti-social conduct, incompatibility. Sociological Correspondence: Meetings, societies. contact-men, blood-ties, kindred and related people. contained within the Nodes. This tends to create a feeling of I find the above meanings to work extremely well. helplessness or no way out. When the Moon would move out Shortly after moving to California (Aug. ’77) I attended of the axis, then Moon-related things tend to show the way an Aquarius Workshop meeting where there were several out of situations. speakers. One of the speakers was John Bradford; he was talkI use ONLY the TRUE NODE! Mean node is an average ing on the Nodes. One of his key, points was that the Nodes position and, like all averages, only works on the average – had to do with MONEY. Having never heard this before, I just as the family is supposed to consist of two adults, male was a touch skeptical. The following week I had a chance to and female and two and one third children. First of all, I have observe this for myself. Being more than a little skeptical, I never met that one-third child, although some act like it. Secdecided to do nothing to and the transit of the Nodes, rather ond, I know many families that do not match that status. It is sit back and see what happened. To shorten the story, yes! what it is, and is not what it is not. The The Nodes indeed had meant money. True Node is where it is. The retrograde Since then I have observed over the and direct periods are fascinating in Secyears that interpretation is quite correct. ondary Progressions. Until the advent of Those of you living in states that have computers, we had to put up with an avlotteries might be interested in knowing erage, because the mathematics to calcuthat in Iarge lottery wins, the Nodes are late the True position was unreal. Now the common factor – either a transit of that we have advanced calculations at the Nodes to the natal chart or a transit our fingertips, they should be used. to the natal Nodes. Now, I can find NO When the Moon is conjunct one DIFFERENCE between the North and or the other of the Nodes it is at miniSouth Node when it comes to financial mum latitude, giving little choice in the matters! It is, after all, an axis. handling of Moon- and Node-related Several years ago I had access to an things. When the Moon is square the astrology book published in the 1700’s Nodes it is at maximum latitude and (no, I do not remember the name). It regives great choice in the dealing with ferred to the North Node as the Dragon’s Moon- and Node-related things. SomeHead, a point, as all heads are, of feeding where in between simply goes one way or taking in. In a way it is like eating, you and the other. can choose between substantial food or Sure, the Nodes “may” refer to karma. So what? The enjunk food but you do eat. The South Node was referred to as tire chart refers to karma, or you would not be alive. If somethe Dragon’s Tail, a point of release or giving out. The givone asks me, “Is this relationship Karmic,” my answer is really ing out could be productive and growth giving, just as we use simple! If it WASN’T before you began the relationship then fertilizer or it could be totally indigestible junk. And IF we fail it certainly WILL BE by the time you finish it! The trick is to to give out, we become mentally or figuratively or literally, do the best that you can at the time you are doing it. It is sort constipated. The either/or of interpretation is always up to the of the way that you tell if your life’s work is finished…if you individual. are alive…it isn’t. I was on a cruise ship at the time that Saturn sextile/trined One day, when thinking about the Dragon’s Head and the my nodal axis. What I knew was the people around me would be Dragon’s Tail, it occurred to me to wonder what the reference winners at games on casinos, for that is often the nature of the to the “Dragon” meant. The Dragon is the Moon! The Moon trine. It was mischievously fun to be able to walk up to someone was called the Dragon by people in earlier years, because of and say “I came to watch you win.”...and they would win. the way it weaves and changes latitude. With that knowledge I beg, for those of you who only put the North Node into comes a little insight; think about it, both in a natal chart or charts, please include the South Node. Without it, the tempany other. Think about the entire symbolic meaning of the tation is to forget it is indeed an axis. “Dragon.” u There are times when for several months all the planets are |4| T h e U ra nia n | March / April 2014 DIRECTIONS FOR ASTROLOGY by Michael Lutin Originally written for a 1989 edition of The Uranian, Michael recently updated this article for SDAS. Thank you! S hould we legalize astrology like abortion or marijuana ? W hich type of astrology is the most accurate ? H ow can we guarantee the skill or knowledge of anyone who hangs out a shingle and calls it astrology ? S eekers of astrological wisdom reach the level they have achieved at a certain point , and have the right to will bring your practice to life. That means you have to examspeak about the subject with the knowledge they have gained. ine your own psychic life, face who it is you’re trying to please Certainly many phonies have done lot of harm, but then, even with your predictions, and see the helping profession for what in other so-called accepted professions, plenty of pros with it really is—your way of giving voice to your own strengths sheepskins from fancy universities have done their own damand weaknesses, drives and wishes. age to unsuspecting souls who have needed help. Something is going on between you and your client— While the excellent certification and testing programs granted, some of it altruistic, but some of do much to assure us of the proficiency and it is more about you than it is about them. knowledge of practitioners when it comes ...it’s only been as you grow Whether or not it’s easy or comfortable for to certain basic techniques, the art of of more seasoned that you come you to be aware of it, your own drives and healing through astrology is another matter. needs are being met every time you read a Healing will always be as difficult to mas- to understand that your practice is a reflection of your horoscope. ter and measure as it is through medicine or Not everybody wants, or should have, an any other field of endeavor. And it will be own personal development, astrological practice. There are researchers, just as rare. your inner life, and the playtheorists, artists, dancers—and anyone who From the very moment you decide to has a love for this art/science who should be become an astrologer, you need to know ing out on the surface of your free to contribute to it and in any way he or that your commitment is profound and seri- deepest unconscious wishes. she pleases. ous. Though we all have all endured times Every astrologer I know is at a different spot along the path when we cry and doubt and look toward heaven during the of personal development. We are all approaching the mystery dark times, your dedication has to be total. No matter what through different modes, methods, and techniques. That is as branch of astrology you choose to pursue, your drive to conit should be. So it would be ridiculous to call for a mass unitribute and participate must include with your zeal a dimenform transformation of everyone in the field. We all share the sion of clear awareness of what the hell it is you are actually joy and enthusiasm about the work we do. Every astrologer getting into. Astrology is not a profession. You don’t choose and astrology student needs to be encouraged to investigate all it. It chooses you. branches of the work, and at the same time, explore fearlessly So many times astrologers get frustrated, wondering why his or her own inner psychic life. they don’t have more clients, why it’s so hard to make a living Under those conditions, the fufrom astrology. And it’s only been as you grow more seasoned ture of astrology will be completely that you come to understand that your practice is a reflection secure. u of your own personal development, your inner life and the playing out on the surface of your deepest unconscious wishes. Michael Lutin is an astrologer and auSo it’s only to your advantage to become aware of them. thor living in New York City; San Deigo There’s a huge difference between a horoscope on paper is his former home and he still returns and the person it belongs to. Becoming alive to the intense occasionally for a visit. His entertaining relationship that is taking place between you and your client website is www.michaellutin.com. announcements|events ADMISSION TO REGULAR MEETINGS is $7 for members and first-time guests, $5 for Seniors, and $12 for non-members. SDAS MEMBERSHIP DUES are yearly at a rate of $25 single/$35 dual for two people at the same address, and include a one-year subscription to The Uranian. Dues can be paid at meetings or mailed to SDAS, 1010 University Avenue, PMB #1772, San Diego, CA 92103-3395. SDAS LIBRARY BOOKS are located off site. If you wish to borrow a library book, please let a board member know. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE FLOOR at meetings are welcomed (time limit one minute). Please notify the president or the vice president in advance. S Q S Q S New Moon March 1 Full Moon March 16 New Moon March 30 Full Moon Aptil 15 Full Moon April 29 T h e U ra nia n | March / April 2014 |5| Directions to the Joyce Beers Community Center From the North: Take 163 South to University Avenue exit. Turn left, go about 5 blocks to the corner of University and Vermont Street. Turn left on Vermont. From the South: Take 163 North to the Robinson exit. Turn left, and go just over one block to Vermont and turn left onto Vermont. Continue straight on Vermont Street. The Joyce Beers Community Center is two blocks off University Avenue, next to the Aladdin restaurant. Ahead, to your left, is the entrance to the free underground parking lot. Please park underground! We look forward to seeing you! The San Diego Astrological Society was founded in 1974 as an unincorporated, non-profit association. The purpose of SDAS is to promote the art and science of astrology through education and research, to give the public information to better understand the principles and purposes of astrology, and to cultivate a sense of unity with all astrologers. Z The Uranian is published six times a year by the San Diego Astrological Society and is included in yearly membership. For dues and subscription information, please see “Announcements” on page 3. For membership information, please write to SDAS, 1010 University Avenue PMB #1772, San Diego, California 92103-3395, or email the Membership Director. All issues accept display advertising. For advertising rates, email the editor at [email protected]. Articles are accepted for submission. Please email an electronic file to the above email address. SDAS BOARD MEMBERS President Jim Hennum [email protected] Vice President Deborah Smith Parker [email protected] Corresp. Secretary Tamara McCollough [email protected] Librarian Open [email protected] Membership Director April Elliott [email protected] Newsletter Director Francesca Smith [email protected] Publicity Director Loda Shaw [email protected] Recording Secretary Barbara Murphy [email protected] Treasurer Jeff Parker [email protected] If you wish to be added to the SDAS e-mail list to receive monthly event notices, or you are a member and are not receiving a monthly e-mail notice, please forward your address to [email protected] visit: www.sandiegoastrology.com q Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while. —Steve Jobs, Pisces