Last month I discussed the First House.  I’ll pick up with the discussion of the remaining houses in upcoming newsletters.  I didn’t want to overwhelm you with the prospect of going through the houses one by one.  If you have specific questions you can always email me at chris@chrisflisher.com.  Archived issues of this newsletter are located here.  http://www.chrisflisher.com/radio_000.htm

Before I begin a discussion on, “We Are All Signs” (Astrology 101), I want to alert you to a few significant cosmic events this month.  Mercury has been right at home lately in detail-oriented Virgo.  Virgo is all about research and communication and Mercury is very happy there since it is familiar turf for him.  It’s what he does best. He moves on after the fifth of the month, so maximize those deals and negotiations while he still has this enhanced power.  Just as Mercury leaves Virgo, Venus finally gets legs and goes direct on September 9^th working her way through the middle and late degrees of bold and powerful Leo.  If you have experienced frustration about love and money (more than usual…ha ha), then events should begin to improve as the planet of love and money goes direct (moves forward).  NOTE:  Planets don’t actually move backwards in the universe, but they appear to move backwards within our visible realm from the earth.  The impact is clearly felt as the retrograde planet emits a different energy during that time.  It IS important to know this, trust me on that one.

Saturn, the wise and wonderful planet of responsibility and accountability, will enter Virgo on September 2^nd.  It’s actually a good placement for Saturn since Virgo is very much a research-and-detail kind of sign.  Service, detail, research and hard work all do well under Saturn’s influence.  Many fear this great planet and see it as a malefic, but if you are hard working and honest, it simply helps not hinders.  If you have any planets in earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) or water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) signs you’ll feel positive effects over the next few years.

Also significant and lingering will be the after affect of the eclipse that took place on August 28.  If you have significant planets in Virgo, Pisces, Gemini or Sagittarius you will feel the results for at least the next month, or at least witness the beginnings of events.  Be open to possibilities and view the universe with an open mind.  Eclipses tend to bring about changes in the house in which they transit, usually up to about a month after.  They often alert you to changes underfoot as well, but to be forewarned is to be forearmed.  Be prepared and understand that all events, good and bad, happen at the right time.  Eclipses often bring unexpected results.  For example, the Boston Red Sox won the World Series in 2004 during an eclipse, shaking an 86-year curse.  Focus on positive events and be open to possibilities.

Astrology 101:

We Are All Signs:  Do you get frustrated when you read the newspaper horoscopes?  Do they appear too generalized and not specific enough?  Well guess what?  They are all of that.  They are far too generalized to apply to EVERYONE.  The one-size-fits-all approach gives astrology a bad name.  There is no way the information could be specific enough to apply to millions.  Should all Virgos buy a lottery ticket on Tuesday?.  Do all Sagittarians need to focus on the higher self on Wednesday?  Should you avoid pitfalls at the office on Thursday if you are a Cancer?  NO, of course not.  The truth is, we are actually a composite of many signs.  A properly cast chart reveals the position of all the planets in our solar system.  Each planet has significance and defines the characteristics of the individual via the placement of the planet in your chart.  A properly cast chart is based on birth date/time/place.  Just as the Sun falls in a position which identifies your primary astrology “sign,” so do the other planets fall in signs.  And therein lies the magic of true, professional astrology.  This is how a professional astrologer discovers the depth and richness of the character as seen in the chart.

For example; John Lennon was a Libra (Sun sign) born in October.  His chart shows Moon in Capricorn, Mercury in Scorpio, Venus in Virgo, Mars in Libra, Jupiter in Taurus, Saturn in Taurus, Uranus in Taurus, Neptune in Virgo and Pluto in Leo.  All of these planets indicate a portion of the character that made John Lennon.  Of course in this discussion you have to believe in the power of the cosmic energy that allows those characteristics to form and materialize. In Lennon’s case, we have Moon in Capricorn which indicates a chilling capacity for callousness.  This is very true since, Lennon was hardened by his losses as a child.  Mercury in Scorpio indicates a quick biting wit; an acerbic tongue that fueled his political statements.  Venus in Virgo allowed him to express deep sentiments regarding humanity with logic and detail towards musical perfection; clearly the case.  Elsewhere his drive was exhibited through Mars which was in Libra, the sign of balance, equanimity, diplomacy.  Jupiter brought out his love of the common man and all things earthly, while Saturn provided a sense of responsibility in that same arena….and so on.

John Lennons’ chart simply illustrates the true manner in which astrology works.  And it does work.  A tried and true skeptic finds himself nodding as the pieces fall in place.

• For more in-depth discussion of astrology, contact Chris.  Personal readings are always available by emailing Chris at chris@chrisflisher.com. 

• Visit http://www.chrisflisher.com/astrology for Fees and Services.

“Blueness Greeness” – This month’s mandala is a departure from past issues.  Rather than offer insight or comfort, this mandala reflects on a journey to Clarksdale, Mississippi.  The following text is excerpted from Chris’s forthcoming book, “Mandalas: Spirit In Art”

"On The Delta" by Chris Flisher ©2001

Haunting, mystery, racial divide

Who says I got God on my side.

Sound so steely, cold and blue

Renders a passion, a pain that’s true

Sleepy Spanish moss, Camellias in bloom

Dusty road, cotton fields, rain in June.

Raw, shredded chords ragged and moan

Cries of pain, a long way from home

Lord I got to pay my dues

And everyday I sing the blues.

Blue in green, sunlight stream

Smoky caverns, heartache dream

Been here before, hundred years ago

The walls are faded, images show.

Blueness, Greeness,

Oneness, Kindness

Jingle, jangle in my soul

A time out of time, a long time ago.

©Chris Flisher 2001