About Wholism

Whole by T. Colin Campbell, PhD explains the difference between a holistic paradigm and the view favored by science and medicine. The linear reductionist view is generally accepted as the “truth” by government agencies and in the media. Campbell addresses nutrition and health and the extreme and debilitating effects resulting from the American population’s acceptance of government guidelines and medical professionals’ second-hand opinions. Those of us who are astrologers face similar challenges with our holistic perspective, which is often at odds with the norm.

Dr. Campbell was an insider for over 50 years, teaching standard courses on nutrition at Cornell University, and receiving numerous research grants throughout his career. He explains that funding is only available to those willing to tailor their research to a strictly linear, cause-and-effect model. While I was already aware of the many ways our society diminishes a holistic view of life, this book was still an eye-opener. It’s disturbing to see how medicine and the media are deeply enmeshed with corporate America.

Growing up on a farm, Campbell began with and advocated for a standard American diet. Yet over his years of research and study, he came to support whole foods and plant-based nutrition. Studies for such a diet are difficult to find as they are not linear and are not supported by industry. Apparently there are nevertheless many such studies, which show the positive effects of the diet, though they often cannot gain the attention of publications or the media (both of which are also often funded by industry, especially pharmaceuticals and other special interests).

This is an important book, however as with many of its kind, its value and limitations are both due to the author’s strong point of view. He comes just short of saying that vegetarianism can cure cancer, for example. It’s hard for us to know if he’s right or wrong. But given the predominant influence of the pharmaceutical and food industries on medicine and lifestyle in this country, more alternative voices need to be heard.

Prince’s Estate

Horoscopes continue after the people who lived them have passed on, especially where their personal and professional affairs are concerned. We can clearly see this in the legal proceedings for music superstar Prince’s estate.

By any measure, Prince Rogers Nelson had a remarkable horoscope, reflected in the uniquely multitalented man. He worked out of his home studio, and created, produced, arranged and performed almost all the music in his recordings. With a Scorpio Ascendant, he had tremendous drive, and both rulers are in a tight inconjunct aspect – Mars in Aries conjoining the 5^th house of creativity and Pluto in Leo closely conjunct the MC.

But Pluto is also part of a T-square with focal point Mercury in Gemini in the 7^th and the Moon in Pisces conjunct the 4^th house cusp. Prince reached a wide audience, but also had relationship issues, going so far as to change his identity for a period of time due to contractual disagreements. Prince’s Neptune in the 12^th was also the focal point of a yod with Mercury and Mars, showing his wonderful imagination and how he was able to direct it into creative projects.

He died on April 21, 2016 from an accidental drug overdose. He was 58 at the time and had not left a Will. Traditionally, the 4^th house shows the “end of the matter.” In an individual’s chart, it also indicates one’s home, property or land – what we might call his estate. This is where we look to see what happens to the stuff we leave on earth.

The Pisces Moon on the 4^th house cusp shows Prince’s vast, multitudinous properties, born of his creative imagination – estimated at $200 million. The star had two marriages which both ended earlier in his life, and he had no children. So his estate is divided among his closest relatives – six siblings. Siblings are ruled by both Mercury and Gemini, and these family members have now become has partners, all trying to look out for their own interests and determine how best to proceed.

The patterns that made Prince such a dynamic artist also challenge the resolution of his estate. As one might imagine with the Moon opposite Pluto and so much property at stake, 45 parties came forward with claims. The judge has rejected most of them, but some have appealed his decision. The estate could easily take many years to resolve.

Prince is experiencing his Saturn return throughout 2017, which should help move things forward and confirm the judge’s order. But transiting Neptune squaring his 8^th house Sun from the 4^th seems to be the significator for the complicated estate proceedings, which have been both numerous and costly. The Neptune transit won’t be complete until early 2020, when the court should get beyond much of the confusion.

Uranus will trine Prince’s Midheaven during 2018 to early 2019, which could bring some surprising developments. The estate is already planning on releasing new albums and concert films.

Prince was born on June 7, 1958 at 6:17 PM according to his birth record on Astrodatabank.

Arcturus/Psyche

I recently wrote about Edgar Cayce’s psychic readings on the Fixed Star Arcturus, and heard that astrologer Michael Munkasey had done independent research on this star. His work appears in Exploring Consciousness in the Horoscope (Llewellyn, 1993).

Munkasey tested Arcturus (now at approximately 24½ Libra) in stock market forecasting and studied its major aspects with planets in newspaper headlines and natal charts. His 2+ years of study included inspiration, dogged research, group feedback and surprising coincidences. Munkasey found meaningful correlations with the myths of the Greek goddess Psyche, so much so that he rechristened Arcturus as “the planet Psyche” (not to be confused with the asteroid).

Edgar Cayce’s readings related Arcturus to enlightenment, transcendence and spiritual development. Michael similarly found Psyche/Arcturus to align with the evolution of consciousness and self-realization. Its path may include issues of cooperation and fairness, addressing differing viewpoints, the need to ask for help, innocence, beauty, loss in love and female conflicts. On some level it appears to epitomize Libra and Venus themes. But Psyche also suggests discipline in relationships (perhaps somehow related to Saturn’s exaltation in Libra).

Munkasey describes cycles of Uranus with Psyche in world events and includes numerous capsule descriptions of Psyche in natal charts. His research is top-notch and he’s boiled the subject down to its essence, making it easily accessible. The 25-page chapter provides a fascinating and comprehensive overview and includes an ephemeris for Psyche.

Michael Munkasey’s excellent article is highly recommended, especially for those interested in the Fixed Stars, relationships, Evolutionary astrology, feminine archetypes, consciousness and divine inspiration. Exploring Consciousness in the Horoscope is out-of-print, but available second-hand online. Edited by Noel Tyl, the book also includes chapters by Ed Steinbrecher, Steven Forrest, Tad Mann and others. Buy at Amazon.com: Exploring Consciousness In the Horoscope

Anthony Weiner Faces Saturn

Former Congressman Anthony Weiner pled guilty to Federal obscenity charges on Friday, May 18, 2017 for sexting an underage girl in 2016.

Weiner was born on September 4, 1964 in Brooklyn according to Wikipedia
(no time available). His Virgo Sun is conjunct Pluto and Uranus, showing his obsession (Pluto) with technology (Uranus). This is also a signature that may indicate ups and downs in the career as well as a need for periodic re-invention.

Weiner’s retrograde Mercury in Virgo is the final dispositor of his chart, giving him intelligence and pragmatism, but it also opposes Saturn (as does his Sun). Wendell C. Perry on GoodGollyAstrology looked at Weiner’s horoscope and the role transiting Saturn played in his personal and professional problems. Perry accurately forecast a significant turning point for Weiner in October of 2016, when he would “feel the full weight of his past actions” as Saturn squared his Sun and Pluto. At that time, it was revealed that the FBI was investigating Weiner, and had seized computer (leading to the re-opening of their look at Hillary Clinton’s e-mails).

When Anthony Weiner pled guilty, transiting Saturn was exactly quincunx his natal Venus, forming a yod with his Venus-Mars-Jupiter sextile. Ed Dearborn, in his excellent article on yods in The Mountain Astrologer, felt that the yod created by transits to the natal chart “…provides a challenge to an individual and an opportunity to exert energies ‘against the current.’ This allows the chart to show where one can make progress and lend assistance to those who wish to see injustices righted or new paths forged in our daily lives.”

Saturn and the authorities have forced Weiner to admit to his crimes and accept the penalties. It may now be easier for him to be able to get some help for his mental and emotional problems.

Mike Brown and Pluto

How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming is the charming memoir of astronomer Mike Brown’s life and career as a Kuiper belt object hunter. Engaging and funny, he explains scientific concepts in a straightforward and understandable way. Brown’s astronomical discoveries parallel his marriage and the birth of his daughter in a nice mix of personal and professional anecdotes. His “killing” of Pluto resulted from the discovery of the dwarf planet Eris. The controversy over who discovered dwarf planet Haumea could only have happened on Mercury retrograde!

Michael E. Brown was born on June 5, 1965 in Huntsville, Alabama, according to Wikipedia. Most of his horoscope is made up of a major T-square with the Sun, Mercury and Jupiter in Gemini at the apex, variously squaring the Moon, Mars, Uranus and Pluto in Virgo, and Saturn in Pisces. Quite a mutable mix. His writing has a light touch, and he’s definitely open enough to consider the possibility of astrology. Brown’s only trine is between Neptune in Scorpio and Saturn, perhaps leading him to state that, “I don’t have anything other than this deep feeling that another planet past Pluto makes sense. And I’m willing to bet there’s one there.” His intuition was right.

Since Brown’s career is so tied-up with Pluto, it’s fascinating to see that this planet is closely square his Sun and opposite Saturn! No wonder he jokes that he “killed Pluto.” He also calls it the “tiny lonely oddball at the edge of the solar system” and “everyone’s favorite runt planet.” His thoughts are in keeping with the pattern in his own horoscope.

If you’re interested in the discovery of Eris and other Trans-Neptunian Objects, this is an informative and entertaining read.
Buy on Amazon.com: How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming

Saturn and NYC Transit

New York City’s Penn Station experienced two train derailments in less than two weeks – a New Jersey Transit slow-speed derailment on April 3 and an Amtrak partial derailment on 3/24/17. In addition, there was a Long Island Railroad service train derailment on 2/8, and a LIRR morning commuter train crashed into Atlantic Terminal on 1/4. What’s going on?

The horoscope for Greater New York has Venus conjunct Mars in Sagittarius in its 3rd house of transportation, which trines the Moon in the 7th in Aries. These planets in fire signs show the importance of transit to New York and the many different railroad, bus and subway systems that speed through the City each day.

But with Saturn in Sagittarius stationing near both Venus and Mars this month, transit has been snarled. Saturn takes its time, and may create delays. As it stationed, Saturn remained less than a degree and a half from conjoining Mars. This is one of those aspects that tends to have a definitive effect. It can cause damages, equipment failure and human error. On the plus side, new ferry service from Queens and Brooklyn to Manhattan begins this spring.

New York experienced its Saturn return, also in the 3rd house, in late 2015. The new Hudson River tunnel plan and Penn Station train hall on Eighth Avenue both appear to be stalled. This is the nature of Saturn, which can bring growing pains. When the 3rd house aspects are finished late this year, hopefully plans will be adjusted or solidified. Governors Cuomo and Christie have asked for a review of Penn Station’s infrastructure.

In the meantime, on Good Friday, 4/15, over a thousand New Jersey Transit commuters were trapped in an overheated train for several hours due to a power problem, and frightened crowds surged as a police Taser went off in Penn Station (Mercury retrograde aggravating the situation). Saturn backs away from NYC’s Venus and Mars in April, but will return to complete the aspects in December of 2017. Be cautious. And as the MTA often advises, allow additional travel time.

Greater New York was created on January 1, 1898 at 12:01 AM, New York, NY.

Venus Retrograde in the News II

Venus retrograde ends its six-week trek soon, and I’m looking back on its reflection in the news. I’ve tracked Venus retrograde on Twitter since March 1 and continue to be amazed at the number of major news stories obviously linked to Venus retrograde!

Venus rules women, finance and property through its connection with Taurus. Relationships, the law and court decisions are also ruled by Venus through its connection with Libra. And Venus is also a general ruler of the arts, luxury goods, contentment and well-being. The retrograde phenomenon suggests re-evaluation, revision and reversal.

Some major, ongoing stories were related to legislation and its review, including the discussions and appointment of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, various developments in the ongoing Trump campaign-Russia investigations and immigration restrictions, reversal of North Carolina’s transgender bathroom law, and a Planned Parenthood vote in the Senate. Many of these issues addressed the Venusian concept of fairness.

Women continued to be highlighted in the news, with the first female leader of Hong Kong appointed, Angela Merkel’s meeting with President Trump and Theresa May’s beginning the Brexit process. Also featured were the Women’s USA Hockey Team’s threatened boycott and the US Gymnastics sex abuse Congressional hearings. In entertainment, retro-inspired Broadway shows included War Paint about women cosmetics entrepreneurs, a revival of Sunset Boulevard with Glenn Close, and Bette Midler in Hello, Dolly!

An ongoing business story was the continued closing of retail brick-and-mortar stores like Sear’s, Macy’s, Kmart and even Ralph Lauren. Home prices have been rising across the country due to a lack of inventory.

It’s always challenging to separate out astrological influences, but this Venus Retrograde was amazingly clear! Venus will be retrograde until April 15. Follow my coverage on Twitter!

Understanding Arcturus

My article, Understanding Arcturus: the Gateway to Higher Realms, appears in the April-June issue of Venture Inward. My research into the psychic Edgar Cayce’s readings on this star was illuminating and surprising.

Cayce’s reports that Arcturus is a gateway to higher levels of consciousness and other dimensions are reiterated in many ways. The challenge in coming to an astrological interpretation based on Cayce’s material is that we are stuck here on three-dimensional Earth!

Below is an excerpt from my article. (Venture Inward magazine is available through membership in the A.R.E.)

Edgar Cayce mentioned the Star Arcturus in more than 30 of his psychic readings, beginning in 1928. New Age enthusiasts have championed Arcturus as a “gateway” to higher realms of consciousness that can have a profound effect on people’s lives. But what is Arcturus really all about? Why is it important? We have only to turn to the readings themselves to learn the answers to these questions.

In understanding Arcturus, it’s important to consider the readings’ repeated descriptions of the soul’s dwelling in other planetary spheres between earthly incarnations. Cayce in his trance state often spoke about astrology, and Cayce’s readings asserted that astrological aspects provide tendencies or inclinations only – the will or personal determination may surpass them. But the readings added a further dimension – the influence of the individual’s environment, including previous incarnations on the earth, as well as planetary sojourns. A planet’s theme may be accentuated in a person’s consciousness due to the fact that the soul had a past experience – an incarnation or sojourn – in that planetary sphere. (Reading 5733-3 gives a good overview of these concepts.)

Arcturus is a star and well outside of our planetary system, yet it somehow functions as a center for our sun and planets. As Cayce said in a reading,

Arcturus is that junction between the spheres of activity as related to cosmic force, and is that about which this particular environ or sphere of activity rotates… (263-15)

(To read about membership in Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E. or download an earlier issue of Venture Inward maggazine, click here.)

Pluto in Capricorn Blues

Pluto in Capricorn has a lot to do with bureaucracy, combining the concepts of control, authority and time. Since late 2008, when Pluto entered Capricorn, dealing with “red tape” and “the system” has gotten a lot more complicated. Capricornian delays seem to haunt me (and I don’t even have a heavy Saturn aspect right now).

I’ve just spent nearly an hour on the phone with my mom’s doctor’s office and health insurance provider, trying to correct her address and facilitate a referral. I feel like I’ve accomplished nothing, but I did discover that her insurance switched her to a lesser plan without contacting us!

Customer service is rarely helpful these days, especially in larger firms, and the representatives on the phone or online have very limited authority, often providing incorrect information. It’s an uphill battle dealing with companies like EmblemHealth, Verizon, Pitney Bowes (probably the worst culprit in my experience) and any number of banks and financial institutions. When I stopped at a local Chase branch to ask a simple question about my mom’s account, it also took me over half an hour. The first clerk seemed to be too insecure to commit to an answer, and the second repeatedly tried to sell me products that I didn’t want.

Management has put down rigid lines of communication and removed themselves from customer satisfaction. The supervisors that I often demand to speak with are also limited in what they can accomplish. Things just seem to take longer to get done – and I have less time to do them in. I’m often too stressed, annoyed and frustrated to even follow through on getting what I need.

It’s reminiscent of a mountain goat trudging endlessly up an escalator in order to avoid being dragged into a bottomless pit. Pluto will be in Capricorn throughout 2023. Got a good set of trudging shoes?

Venus Retrograde on Twitter

I’ve been tracking Venus retrograde on Twitter since March 1 to see how it was reflected in the news and my own life. I couldn’t have been more surprised at the number of major news stories that blatantly relate to Venus retrograde!

Venus rules women, finance and property through its connection with Taurus. But relationships, the law and the courts are also ruled by Venus through its connection with Libra. And Venus is also a general ruler of the arts, luxury goods, contentment and well-being.

The retrograde phenomenon suggests re-evaluation, revision and reversal. We can consider Venus-ruled issues from a different perspective.

When I started, it took a little effort to find the news stories. Two weeks into the process, I have more Venus retrograde news items than I can research and summarize. Venus retrograde is all over the news. The Day Without a Woman protests, the impeachment of South Korea’s first female president, the Marines sharing of nude photos online, Donald Trump’s revisions of his immigration ban and Obamacare are just a few. Other top stories include a Mercedes-Benz recall, the Pope suggesting that possibility of married priests, and Michael Jackson’s ranch returning to the market.

Venus is retrograde until April 15. Follow my coverage on Twitter!

Karen Christino

Astrologer and Writer