Astrology is, hands down, the most misunderstood, disrespected, and unfairly treated of all the 'ologies. In fact, this is a subject that I wrote an essay about a couple of years ago... I got a B+ on it... the teacher kept asking me to put PROOF and SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH that's (supposedly) been done on both sides of the arguement. Ms. Ryan isn't a very esoteric person...

To "non-believers": Look, I am not saying that all of those stupid newspaper horoscopes are all true; that EVERY SINGLE Gemini will be facing a big change today, or that every single Capricorn will meet someone special at the workplace!!! What I am saying is that applied astrology WORKS. We are very much affected by the movements of the planets, especially the moon! If you haven't consciously experienced this for yourself, I'm sorry, but the fact is that I BELIEVE in astrology the same way that I BELIEVE in, say, the Laws of Physics -- I simply know that the both exist and function.

And to those of you who only know astrology by the paper horoscopes, this 'page' is to give you a glimpse into the vast universe of knowledge that this science encompasses.

Sun: The sun is the center of our solar system, and he is the central aspect of your personality. 'Your sign' refers to what sign the sun was in at the time of your birth. Natually, this is what shines through, what guides the majority of your actions and feelings. The Sun rules the sign of Leo.

Moon: Just as the Moon guides the ebb and flow of the tides, she rules over our feelings and emotions. The sign which she in when you were born effects the way that you feel about many things, and much of what you seek out in life. The moon also dramatically affects everyday living, as the sign in which she currently resides (every 2 1/2 days) greatly inflences everyone's emotions, and her waxing and waning affect people, as well. The Moon rules over the sign of Cancer.

Mercury: He was the messanger of the gods, and he rules intellect and communication. When this planet goes retrograde, WATCH OUT!! Everything he oversees starts to break down, from all kinds of machinery to reaching a long-distance friend to simple one-on-one interaction. Mercury goes retrograde about every four months, for 3 weeks at a time. He rules Geminis and Virgos.

Venus: Goddess of love, springtime, beauty, and flowers. In your chart, she determines the kinds of things that you most enjoy. She also influences, believe it or not, the kind of clothes that you look your best in. (I wouldn't have believed it until I realized it was true for me.) Of course, being the goddess of love, she helps to determine that 'special someone.' (I wouldn't have believed this one, either, 'till I fell in love with someone whose Venus is in the same sign as mine!) She rules over Libra and Taurus.

Mars: In Roman mythology, he was only the god of war. However, in this day and age, he mostly rules over action, aggression, passion, and sexuality. Personally, I have found that when the moon is in my sign for that month-and-a-half, I feel great! Officially, Mars rules the signs of Aries (another spelling of this name was Mars' Greek counterpart... coincidence?) and Scorpio.

Jupiter and Saturn: These big guys were the last planets that the ancients could see. Jupiter was the Roman king of gods, and Saturn was a god of the harvest. While Jupiter is all about expantion and growth, Saturn promotes boundaries and endings. The first rules over Sagitarrius, and the latter over Capricorn. (If you know about these two signs, you'll understand...)

Uranus, Neptune, Pluto: Because these outer planets move so slowly to each sign, they shape entire generations of people. Uranus affects what needs to be changed, Neptune represents dreams and other realities, and Pluto holds dominion over most difficult energies. Uranus rules Aquarius, Neptune rules Pisces, and Pluto has co-dominance over the sign of Scorpio.

Aries: Though this sign should supposedly be 'opposed' to mine, I don't find this true when dealing with its people. I find that Ariens are very warm and sociable, and that they often have a lot of knowledge about different subjects. They also ofen feel strongly about subjects, but sometimes go about expressing their opinions in the wrong way. Try to avoid making others feel uncomfortable or turining into Sarcasm-o the Great; people are always more receptive in a loving environment.

Taurus: Personally, I love you guys; you're just so very intense! When you feel a certain way, anyone in your aura knows how you feel, and some weak-minded ones may be automatically swayed to your opinion! ;-> But seriously... Intensity is a good thing, but sometimes the person who your dealing with is simply not ready for yours. Fear not; you are who you are, and anyone who doesn't like the heat should get out of the oven. But if you sense that someone is buggin' in your presense, just relax a bit and let them speak. You might be pleasently surprised by their quiet intellect.

Gemini: Geminis are, on the whole, a very smart bunch; believe me, I mean that in the most complementary way. I know that you love to always have a variety of imputs; this is, after all, how you know about so much. I know, too, that this need for variety also applies to whom you are freinds with. Just be careful that you don't one day find a good friend (or good friend) suddenly boring. It's great to make shiny new friends, but just don't trade in those dull, more worn ones; often, they are the BEST kind.

Cancer: Oh, I would not want to be in your shoes. Please don't misconstrue: I think it's wonderful that you feel EVERYTHING so deeply, I just don't think I could handle it. And mostly, you handle it very well, simply letting unpleasent things go. But I KNOW that there are times when you have to let your feelings out. It's healthy and natural. Just please be sensitive of others' feelings, as well. (Yes, believe it or not, the rest of us have them, too. :-> ) Harsh or acidic words and actions only come back at us, so always be loving, and you will always be loved!

Leo: Ah, Leo, Leo, Leo... You must understand, everyone, that I know a LOT about this sign, about its wonderful qalities and the not-so-wonderful ones, being in a relationship with one of you for many months. But, I digress; Leos are warm, caring, and very entertaining when they want to be. They can be VERY stubborn when they want to be, as well... Guys, you're great, but WE'RE ON THE PLANET TOO!!! :-> So just remember, it's fine to want something, but know that it be in your best interests NOT to get it. And when you need advise, you can always seek it from a trusted friend... like a Libra, maybe. ;->

Virgo: Virgos really do have a bad rep; most that I know are extremely amiable. Yes, you guys often want things to be perfect, but that's only because this is the way things SHOULD be! I understand. However, some people (horror of horrors) don't care how things turn out! Just let them go on their merry way, because if you try to evplain your position, they may misinterpret this as 'nagging' or some other word that people who don't understand made up. If you do have to work with one of these persons, indure his/her inadequecies, and things will turn out all right in the end.

Libra: Hehe... hi-ya, peeps. Well, if you've read any astrology books, you'll know that most people have a LOT of critisism for us. "Stop being so picky, be assertive, don't be so wishy-washy, get some excersize!" And I know that these things -- especially the last one -- are pretty darn hard! So yes, while I suggest that we work on these parts of ourselves, my best advise to my fellow Libras is to make some friends. Even if they are not 'Damon and Pythias' friends, people with whom you can mutually enjoy spending some time together do a world of good for us. And if you can find a more intimate friend, all the better. My life feels so much better since I have found that special someone... even more than other signs, guys, that's what boosts our self-confidence. So as I said to the Cancers, always be lovable and you will always be loved.

Scorpio: I know a lot about Scorps, too, seeing how my mother is one of you. Like all the fixed signs, you are indeed very intense, and like all water signs, you're very emotional. This combination can, unfortunately, being rather draining for others who don't know how to handle your unique energy. My advise is to hang out with other water signs, or even better, find some good Earthy friends to help ground you a bit. And when the world becomes too much for you to handle, just take a breather; life is this hard for EVERYONE, so enjoy as much of it as you can.

Sagitarrius: I like Sag's. You guys are just really fun. You know how to have a good time, and you're usually doing just that. If there aren't any Leos around, you're the life of the party; and I've even seen a lion or two share his spotlight with the centaur (that's you). Yes, there are responsibilities, but I know that you can fit those in. And if you're having trouble in this department, look to an earthy or airy friend for some help, since you have so many friends, anyway!

Capricorn: Eh... Cappys. You know, I must admit: for a while I thought that you were all, well... kind of, not nice. No, hear me out: it's true that most of your great business men and lawyer-types happen to be Capricorns! But I realize now that your just very business oriented. (Even if you don't really think you are, take it from me, you are.) And that's a good thing; you truly are natural leaders. Just make sure that you're the kind of leader that people like.

Aquarius: Yes, Aquarians; I had a couple of good friends who are your sign, and most often, I've noticed that everybody likes you. You know, you guys do have the most unique sense of humor... Leave it to some people to not find it funny! Just be sure that the person to whom you're giving your opinion isn't taking it the wrong way. It happens (especially when Mercury's retrograde, but that's another gripe of mine...)

Pisces: The fishiest sign of all! You know, Piscians make good friends... they really care about other people. Just make sure that you remember yourself, too! A person's always more fun when they're happy with themself. So listen to me: you're great! Sure, we all have things that we want to change about ourselves; that's humanity. But this goes for everyone here, too; love yerself, man! We're ALL great people, in one way or another! If you can love someone else, why not the one in the mirror as well? ;->

If you think that any of these comments are grossly unfair, then PLEASE, contact me and we'll have a good discussion about it.