Occult London: Peeking into a Magical Special Collection

I got a chance to both see and handle some of the arcane tomes and magical objects in University College London's Special Collections. How exciting!

The archive contains many items related to the history and practice of magic and western esotericism, including astrology, tarot, spirit summoning and folk traditions. There are books and manuscripts that have influenced the development of subjects such as astronomy and cryptography or are part of modern esoteric traditions. Last Friday morning. the department held an open morning to showcase objects from the collection. Of course I jumped at the chance to go along.

The photos here show just a couple of things on display. At the top you can see a famous cunning man's notebook. James Murrell, or Cunning Murrell, was a 19th century folk magician living in Hadleigh, Essex. His work involved astrology, herbalism and exorcism. The book is primarily an almanac and contains astrological charts.

The photo at the bottom shows Hebrew mezutot (parchments inscribed with material from the Torah) including amulets.

Experts were there to talk about  the items on show, answer questions, and presumably make sure no one sneaked off with anything or attempted to summon something using any of the rituals in the grimoires!

UCL Special Collections is in the basement of the university building on Gower Street, 

London WC1E 6BT. You can find out more and get on the list to learn about future open days here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/library/special-collections

Previous related posts
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/05/occult-london-labyrinth-at-fen-court.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/04/occult-london-atlantis-bookshop.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/07/green-london-strange-things-in-soho.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/05/occult-london-sir-john-soanes-museum.html

Lion's Gate Portal Magic & International Cat Day

In astrology, Leo the lion shines down in the heat of the sun from the end of July to late August. It's a fire sign representing dignity, strength, confidence and power. You can perform magic to bring these aspects into your life, and to manifest your desires. 

A particularly auspicious time for this is during the Lion's Gate Portal, when the sun is in Leo, and the Earth, Orion's Belt and the star Sirius line up. It happens annually between July 28th and August 12th, with a peak around August 8th.

You could use the Strength card from tarot as part of a Lion's Gate Portal visualisation or spell. Strength in the major arcana generally shows a lion of some form, and is a positive and optimistic card. Put the card on your altar or hold it in you hand. Study the card and imagine its energy helping you towards your own objective. 

In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck (pictured), a woman strokes the lion and befriends the wild creature. This indicates that strength isn't always about physical might. It can mean achieving what we want in ways that make everyone happy. That lion looks as though he's enjoying a head scratch, just like any moggy! This is also a card about facing our fears and knowing we have the strength to not only deal with problems, but even to befriend adversaries.  

There's an infinity symbol above the woman's head. Do not limit your goals today.

International Cat Day

Today is also International Cat Day, which takes place on 8 August every year. It’s intended to raise awareness for our feline companions and learn about ways to help and protect them. Events are organised by International Cat Care, a not-for-profit organisation that aims to improve the welfare of domestic pets. 

Personally, I’ve always enjoyed meditating with my cat. I don’t mean training my cat to meditate – they don’t really need that training. The way you can do it is to sit with your cat mindfully. If your cat likes being stroked, then do that, just be in the moment and let your other worries and concerns slip away.

More Seasonal Magic

You can find more about summer magic, festivals and events in my book Pagan Portals - Rounding the Wheel of the Year, published by Moon Books.

Previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/03/books-folklore-magic-of-cats-by-andrew.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2021/10/a-lucky-black-cat-poppet-for-black-cat.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2015/10/london-necropolis-nero-sleeping-lion-at.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/04/a-tarot-card-for-world-today-strength.html

What the Summer Solstice Means for each Star Sign

This article on summer solstice astrology was written by zodiac compatibility practitioners at Psychic World 

The Summer Solstice is today, the 20th of June, and marks the longest day and shortest night of 2024. As pagans and witches know, it's often associated with themes of light, growth, and renewal. In line with this event, here are insights into what this means for each star sign, as well as what lies ahead for June 2024.

Aries March 21st - April 19th: It’s the simple things in life

Aries, you are a natural adventurer, and your outgoing nature fits well with the eventful vibe of Gemini season this month. However, from June 9th, your ruling planet Mars moves into Taurus, and you may feel the urge to take it easy. While it is in your nature to be out and about, let the summer solstice be a reminder of the pleasure you can get from the simple things in life, and home comforts.

Taurus April 20th - May 20th: Spontaneity and socialising 

This year's summer solstice calls for some socialising. It is no secret that you love the comforts of home, but you may find that spontaneity is key for your summer season. Have profound and meaningful conversations at social occasions, and you may learn lots. Mars, the planet of passion, is in your sign so you'll be in the mood for a flirt, whilst Uranus planet of chaos is in Taurus all month, so be prepared for a few surprises.

Gemini May 21st - June 20th: Good fortune awaits

It is Gemini season and excitement surrounds your sign. Jupiter, the planet of wealth, is in your sign this month, so you can expect to be prepared for good fortune. It can be the perfect time to get your funds organised. In matters of love and relationships, you may attract someone who is more grounded than you are used to. As with your finances, in your job, you may also want to adopt a more committed, firm tone. Although as a Gemini you may be naturally social and chatty, this period may call for you to listen more.

Cancer June 21st - July 22nd: Loving and homely vibes

The summer solstice welcomes in Cancer season, and your charming aura is growing as your birthday arrives. On June 17th, two extra planets enter your sign, Mercury, the planet of communication and Venus, the planet of love, so the homely vibe is intensified and love may be lurking, so see who you feel most connected with. Most importantly, enjoy your birthday season!

Leo July 23rd – Aug 22nd: Set out your intentions

The Summer Solstice means that the sun is at its peak, and as your sign is ruled by the Sun, the impact will be highly felt by you. On June 20th this year, the longest day gives you a powerful boost. You feel strong, and happy to take a risk! After this day, spend time on self care. Being a fire sign, you naturally move quickly, but don’t underestimate the effectiveness of planning ahead and setting out intentions instead.

Virgo Aug 23rd - Sept 22nd: Strengthen relationships and relax 

From Monday 17th you get to chill with Mercury in home-loving Cancer, and those weeks will find you visiting family, laughing and relaxing with your nearest and dearest. With your friends and family at the forefront, it is a time to nourish relationships. It is also in your nature to be highly attentive to work, but try to do things you enjoy, and relax more.

Libra Sept 23rd - Oct 22nd: Career success

Libras are the sign of balance in all aspects of their life. This may come in handy this summer solstice, as new career success and opportunity could come your way, so be sure to have a plan and don’t rush into things. In your love life and relationships, it could be the perfect time to display some random acts of kindness to your loved one, and be confident.

Scorpio Oct 23rd - Nov 21st: Vacations and socialising

The summer solstice could bring a sense of calm and relaxation to your usual intensity Scorpio. You may find yourself on holiday, relaxing, feeling light and calm. You may also meet new people who are eager to find out more about you, helping you expand from your typically small, tight knit social group. With your strong charm and relaxed mood, travel and socialising could do you good at this time!

Sagittarius Nov 22nd - Dec 21st: Put the effort in

Through June, Jupiter (your ruling planet) is in Gemini. Therefore, invitations and fun events could be coming your way. Jupiter is also a planet of wealth, so financial luck could come to you. However, don’t depend on luck. This year’s summer solstice is all about putting the time and effort into relationships and work!

Capricorn Dec 22nd - Jan 19th: Trust in yourself

The summer solstice is a great chance for romance. You might meet someone that you unexpectedly connect with deeply. On the 22nd June there will be a full moon in Capricorn, nicknamed the Strawberry Moon, so make sure you have a list or plan ready of what you want to achieve. You may feel a need to be useful or seek justification from those around you. However, ensure to take time to trust in your own self and values. This full moon can help you with this.

Aquarius: Jan 20th - Feb 18th: Go at your own pace 

Your ruling planet Uranus has entered the calmness of earth sign Taurus, and you will experience a more relaxed pace of life. It’s a great time for you to do things at your own speed, and focus on you. You may choose to use the summer solstice to workout, go on walks, or just get some fresh air. Take time for you!

Pisces Feb 19th - March 20th: Creative expression and charisma

The summer solstice is a great time for you to use your ability to connect with people. Your charisma is peaking, so surround yourself with people who bring out your most spirited and exhilarating energy. It may also be time to express yourself creatively, so treat your life like a work of art and feed your creative side.

Antonella, professional astrologer at Psychic World said: 

“The summer solstice is more than the longest day of summer in astrology. It is an important event that provides an opportunity for you to manifest, cleanse past troubles, and encourage self- affirmation. It can provide a sense of strength and energy, and from this, comes possibilities for growth, new connections, and self-healing. 

“Moving forward after the summer solstice, carry your affirmations, manifestations, and goals with you. Although the solstice itself brings focus to these, it is the coming days, weeks and months in which you can hope to see these come into fruition.”

You can find out more here: https://www.psychicworld.com/zodiac-compatibility-calculator

Pagan Eye: Divination at the BM Myanmar Exhibition

This picture shows a historic divination manual at the Burma to Myanmar exhibition at the British Museum. It is one of the many wonderful objects on display showing various aspects of life for the people of Myanmar – also known as Burma - as well as the dramatic fluctuations in fortune the area itself has seen in the past 1,500 years. From superpower to colonisation, to civil war and dictatorship, no wonder people consulted celestial oracles to learn what the future might hold!

The book dates from the late 18th or early 19th century and is written in the Mon language, according to the label below it in the exhbition. Apparently this suggests it came from lower Myanmar although the imagery is more akin to Thai designs. It is a fortune-telling guide using the Chinese zodiac of 12 animals. Like many of the items on display, it shows a fluidity between cultures and ethnicities that was typical for the region.

The exhibition is fascinating and worth visiting if you are in London. I knew very little about Myanmar before I went and am glad to have learnt a bit more. Burma to Myanmar is in the Joseph Hotung Great Court Gallery at the British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. It runs until 11 February 2024. Tickets are £16/free for members and under 16s. https://www.britishmuseum.org/

My Pagan Eye posts show photos that I find interesting - seasonal images, pagan sites, events, or just pretty pictures. If you want to send me a photo for a Pagan Eye post, please email it to badwitch1234@gmail.com Let me know what the photo shows and whether you want your name mentioned or not. For copyright reasons, the photo must be one you've taken yourself.

Other previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/05/pagan-eye-goddess-at-bm-china-exhibition.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2022/07/pagan-eye-sheela-na-gig-at-feminine.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2022/04/exhibition-feminine-power-divine-to.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2022/07/pagan-eye-hekate-at-feminine-power.html

Book Extract: Runes and Astrology by Nigel Pennick

Here's an extract from a new book, Runes and Astrology: Symbol and Starcraft in the Northern Tradition, by Nigel Pennick:

The Runes and Their Meaning

Runes shalt thou find, and fateful signs,
That the king of singers colored,
And the mighty gods have made;
Full strong the signs, full mighty the signs,
That the ruler of the gods doth write.
HÁVAMÁL (TRANS. BELLOWS)

All over the world, people have devised devices and techniques that give some insight into the hidden processes of life. This recognition is at the base of those sacred traditions in which knowledge and wisdom are valued. There are many symbolic techniques that allow people to interact with the unseen, of which alphabets are perhaps the most developed. In the West, there are five main alphabets that have magical connections: Hebrew, Greek, Glagolitic, Ogham, and Runic. Although they were or are used in everyday life for written communication, they all began as sacred symbolic alphabets in which every character had an array of meaning far beyond the mere sound it represented. The runes, which originated in central Europe about 2,500 years ago, are the prime example of such an alphabet. Strictly speaking, the runes are not an alphabet at all. An alphabet begins with alpha and beta—A, B, and so on. The runic rows do not have this Greek-derived character sequence, but a different one. They are known as the Fuþark because the characters (or staves) are arranged in a specific order, which begins F, U, Þ, A, R, K. As the third runic stave (Þ/þ) is equivalent to the sound “th,” a common alternative transliteration is Futhark, which will also be used in the present book.

However, the word alphabet is used now (incorrectly) to refer to any system of writing comprising separate individual characters with phonetic meanings. But whether we call their array an alphabet or a Futhark, the runes are far more than mere phonetic sigils designed for information interchange in so-called “barbarian” central and northern Europe. They encapsulate symbolic meanings that go far beyond the modern materialist images of practical necessity.

The connotations surrounding the word rune itself provide evidence for this. They are far removed from the idea of a character or letter, words used to describe an individual stave in more prosaic alphabets. The rune is a precise concept in its own right. The word itself possesses associations with the carefully guarded inner secrets of the esoteric mysteries. This is apparent in the old languages of northern Europe, where it is directly cognate with words meaning “to whisper” such as the archaic English verb to rown and the modern German verb raunen. There are also related words in the Celtic languages, including Old Irish word rún, “mystery, secret; secret intention” (modern Irish rún, “intimate friend”), and Middle Welsh rin, “secret, mystery,” “privacy, intimacy,” and “magic spell, charm” (modern Welsh rhin, “virtue, essence”). The leaders and councilors of Anglo-Saxon England called their discussions “runes” (rūne), where the runes were used for divination when problems arose. For instance, the meeting where Magna Carta was signed in 1215, which guaranteed the citizens of England certain civil rights, was held at a traditional site of royal councils, Runnymede, the “Meadow of the Runes.” This site was the place of former runic consultations in Anglo-Saxon times. ***

At the basic level, a rune is literally a mystery that -comprehends -fundamental secrets of the inner structure of the reality. Each stave, which we call a rune, is a storehouse of knowledge and meaning, which is apparent only to those who study runecraft in all its aspects. Each individual rune expresses an amorphous yet eternal reality, which is revealed in the world of our experience as the specific things or processes characterized by it. Unlike many rigid magical disciplines, the runic system is dynamic, creative, and developing. At a fundamental level, the meanings of the runes are fixed, yet every day new things are made and new experiences, new juxtapositions, and new relationships occur. No time or place is ever like any other, and accordingly, the action of the runic archetypes is affected by the specific conditions there. 

From Runes and Astrology by Nigel Pennick © 2023 Destiny Books. Printed with permission from the publisher Inner Traditions International. www.InnerTraditions.com

You can view Runes and Astrology on Amazon. 

(Note: I earn commission from advertisers for some links. This helps support my blog at no extra cost to those who read my posts.)

Review: Star Magic: The Wisdom of the Constellations

Long before we had electricity, before the era of gaslamps, even before the time when candles or oil lit the dwellings of our ancestors, humans gazed up at the night sky and saw the stars. They would have seen them more clearly then, without light pollution. The patterns in the heavens not only illustrated the stories our ancient ancestors told, they formed the background of much of their mythology. They represented gods, and humans who had been elevated to immortality through great deeds, and could be called upon for their aid, to help the living. 

Over time, systems of magic grew up that employed the energy of the stars. Their influence could be divined to tell the best time to hunt, or plant crops, or start on a journey or quest. Yet, apart from sometimes using astrology, 21st century magical practitioners often ignore the power of the stars. Sandra Kynes, in Star Magic: The Wisdom of the Constellations for Pagans and Wiccans, shows how we can change that. 

A new and updated edition has just been published by Crossed Crow Books. As Crossed Crow says on its website: "As Witches, we tend to spend a lot of time working with the magic of the earth, and we often forget that there’s an entire universe just overhead—a vast expanse of stars and constellations, each with their own story, each shining forth with an incredibly radiant supply of power. We just need to reach up and seize it—and Sandra Kynes can show us how."

The book explains that star magic differs from astrology because it involves using the power of the stars, planets and constellations that we can actually see in the sky. We are encouraged to go outside and look, with the first chapters giving instructions on how to do that using both traditional charts and apps on our phones. Astrology is kind of the opposite, because that is a form of divination employing the stars that are behind the sun at various times of the year, meaning they aren't visible to us then.

The magic system Sandra describes combines modern pagan witchcraft techniques with ancient practices and draws on the mythology and folklore of the stars and constellations. The book teaches how to enhance astral travel using the power of the stars as well as spells and other magical workings that align with specific stars and constellations. 

I found the book fascinating and learnt a lot from it. As the weather gets warmer I hope to spend evenings outdoors looking up at the stars and maybe calling on their ancient powers to aid me in my own quests. 

Star Magic comes in two editions: a limited edition hardcover and unlimited paperback. You can find copies at booksellers including Amazon or view both editions on  Crossed Crow Books' website

(Note: I earn commission from advertisers for some links. This helps support my blog at no extra cost to those who read my posts.)

Book Excerpt: The Nature of Astrology by Bruce Scofield

Here's an excerpt from the book The Nature of Astrology - History, Philosophy and the Science of Self-Organizing Systems by Bruce Scofield. This section looks at the origins of Western astrology in Ancient Mesopotamia.

Origins of Western Astrology

The origins of Western astrology can be traced to ancient Mesopotamia.1 It was in this region of the world that humans first established large permanent settlements, developed agricultural techniques, and became organized into towns and cities. Social and cultural evolution accelerated by population growth, which was made possible by agriculture, led to organized religions, laws, and other means of controlling large groups of people. The history of this region comes into focus by the fourth millennium BCE when the Sumerians, peoples of uncertain origin who spoke an unclassified language and who had migrated to southern Mesopotamia (now Iraq), took over a number of older settlements and established major centers at Ur, Uruk, and Babylon. Over the next millennium, a complex religion/mythology was formalized, and cuneiform writing, a kind of notation on clay tablets, became widely used to record kinship linkages, ownership, commercial transactions, mythology, and astronomical data, the latter sometimes with interpretations. Other accomplishments include the use (and possibly invention) of the wheel, intensive agriculture based on massive irrigation projects, the sexagesimal counting system used today for time and circular measurement, the first calendars, and the naming of constellations. The Sumerians were the major cultural founders of the Mesopotamian region, but they were conquered about 2400 BCE by Sargon, King of Akkad (now northern Iraq), a Semite, who built the region’s first empire by joining Sumer in the south and Akkad in the north. For the next two millennia the power of city states rose and fell and empire followed empire. Of note were the empires of Babylon, the city itself being a major intellectual and cultural center, and Assyria (in place from 1800 to 800 BCE, during which time systematic observations and record keeping of natural phenomena were made, and many regard this as one of the roots of science). Change and decline of this long age of empires began with Persian dominance over the region beginning in the sixth century BCE, followed by Alexander’s conquests two hundred years later in the fourth century.

Of special interest to historians of science are the contents of the Royal Library of Nineveh. The learned king Ashurbanipal, King of Assyria from 668 to 627 BCE, searched for, collected, and organized historic tablets (of clay, wood, and wax) for his library, which became a time-capsule for Mesopotamian intellectual achievements. The library was discovered in 1853 and, in addition to intricate relief sculptures lining the walls, it was found to contain thousands of tablets that were then shipped to the British Museum where they have been repaired, organized, and translated. The contents of these tablets are mostly omen literature, astrology, and entrail divination, but also included are the Epic of Gilgamesh, ritual texts, astronomical data, medical formulas, dream books, and more. Among the roughly thirty thousand tablets found in Ashurbanipal’s library, and also at other archaeological sites in Mesopotamia, are two kinds of astronomical collections. One consists of star catalogs of astronomical events and star positions. Another is a set of tablets called the Enuma Anu Enlil, or book of Anu (god of heaven) and Enlil (god of Earth). This is the primary astrological text, ­essentially a compilation of interpretations of astronomical phenomena from ancient Mesopotamia that was organized around 1000 BCE, though it contains information dated to as early as the seventeenth century BCE. The Enuma Anu Enlil is composed of sixty-eight to seventy tablets (the total depending on how they are analyzed) and about seven thousand omens, depending on which of the existing copies is referred to.

1. Astrology also originated, or at least developed in its own characteristic way, in India, China, and Mesoamerica. Indian (Joytish), also known as Hindu, or more recently Vedic astrology in English-speaking countries, clearly owes some of its qualities to Western astrology, these attributed to Alexander’s intrusion into the region bringing with him Greek scholars. There is, however, an indigenous astrological tradition, mentioned in the Vedas, that is based on the lunar cycle. Burmese astrology is informed by Hindu astrology, and Tibetan astrology is a mixture of both the Hindu and Chinese systems. The astrological system of China is almost completely different in that it tracks planetary cycles, generalizes them into round numbers, and applies these on several temporal scales. While there are some similarities between Chinese astrology and the astrological tradition that developed in ancient Mesoamerica, particularly in the use of blocks of time as significators of specific processes, they differ in regard to key cycle lengths.

Bruce Scofield holds a doctorate in geosciences from the University of Massachusetts, a master’s degree in social sciences from Montclair University, and a degree in history from Rutgers University. Currently an instructor for Kepler College and president of the Professional Astrologers Alliance, he is the author of 14 books. He lives in Amherst, Massachusetts.

The Nature of Astrology by Bruce Scofield is copyright © 2022 Inner Traditions. Printed with permission from the publisher Inner Traditions International. www.InnerTraditions.com

You can view The Nature of Astrology on Amazon.

Previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2019/02/pagan-eye-magic-medicine-at-assyria.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2022/02/book-excerpt-twilight-of-pluto-astrology.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2022/02/review-once-around-sun-stories-crafts.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2022/08/book-excerpt-witch-wisdom-for-magical.html

Book Excerpt: The Twilight of Pluto - Astrology

Here's an excerpt from the new book The Twilight of Pluto: Astrology and the Rise and Fall of Planetary Influences by John Michael Greer:

Introduction: After Pluto

The decision that assigned Pluto a new status, the meeting at which it took place, and the actions of each of the astronomers present in Prague that day, were all part of the fabric of the universe, shaped by intersecting patterns of influence that can also be read in the heavens by those who know how to do so. The decision of the IAU was thus as much a part of the natural unfolding of the cosmos as the discovery of Pluto had been, and it reflects a comparable watershed in the collective consciousness of our species. If this is true, as astrologers believe, then the astrological influence of Pluto--that peculiarly modern planet--was a temporary phenomenon, not a permanent one, and a great many of the characteristic expressions of Pluto’s influence can be expected to lose much of their importance as the influence of the former planet fades out. As that happens, a great many of the certainties of the present time are likely to dissolve around us.

It’s crucial, to make sense of what follows, not to misunderstand the core thesis of this book. I am not suggesting that Pluto never was a planet, and that astrologers were wrong to take it into account in their work. Quite the contrary, I’m suggesting that from 1930 to 2006, Pluto was a planet, in every sense that is meaningful to astrologers. Its influence in the horoscopes and other astrological charts that were cast and interpreted during those years was just as important as astrologers thought it was, as important as that of any of the other planets. What’s more, as we’ll see, the influence of Pluto began to be felt in human society for roughly thirty years before it was discovered--approximately one Saturn cycle--and will continue to have an effect disproportionate to its size, though gradually declining in power, for about thirty years after its relegation to the status of dwarf planet.

After that, it will have roughly the same influence on horoscopes and other astrological charts as the other members of the category of dwarf planets: as significant, say, as Ceres, the largest of the asteroids. There will still be a place for it in astrology, in other words, just as there’s a place for the larger asteroids, Kuiper Belt objects, and other small bodies. The only difference is that it will no longer be the potent force that it was during the Plutonian Era, the period when it functioned astrologically as a planet.

It’s also crucial in this context to recall that Pluto’s case is not unique. The planets Uranus and Neptune, which were discovered in modern times, show how planetary influences can emerge from the celestial backdrop, but there are other bodies that traced out both ends of Pluto’s trajectory through time. Ceres, the dwarf planet just mentioned, had a similar career as a planet between 1801 and the 1850s. While astrology was at a relatively low ebb just then, and astrologers at that time apparently didn’t get around to putting Ceres in the horoscopes they cast, the collective consciousness of the Cerean Era--the period beginning roughly thirty years before Ceres was discovered, and ending about thirty years after its demotion--showed the same sort of influence by a distinct celestial factor that the history of the Plutonian Era shows so clearly.

A parallel process, though it never quite reached the intensity of the Cerean and Plutonian Eras, can be traced in the rise and fall of astronomical bodies that had a theoretical or notional reality among scientists or astrologers, but never quite managed to make it all the way into physical existence. The nonexistent planet Vulcan, between the orbit of Mercury and the Sun, and the mythical dark moon Lilith, orbiting the Earth out beyond the one moon we’ve actually got, both show the same kind of effects that preceded the discoveries of Ceres and Pluto, and followed their demotion. The difference was that the influences on collective consciousness represented by Vulcan and Lilith never quite managed to constellate themselves fully in the world of human experience. Vulcan had its day, attained the status of a planet for a few years, and then vanished when its existence was disproved. Lilith hovers like a phantom of the heavens, its existence accepted by a few astrologers today and rejected or ignored by everyone else. Both are still studied by some astrologers, but as we’ll see, they correspond to collective dreams of our species that never quite became real.

These examples from the past offer important guidance for the future. As we will see, the core nature of Pluto can be summed up straightforwardly as opposition to cosmos. The ancient Greek concept of cosmos--literally “that which is beautifully ordered”--lies at the heart not only of astrology but of most of the world’s traditions of spiritual philosophy and practice. 

About the Author: John Michael Greer (pictured) is a writer, blogger, and independent scholar who has written more than 70 books, including The King in Orange, Circles of Power, and the award-winning New Encyclopedia of the Occult. A longtime student of astrology, he began working as a political astrologer in 2017. He lives in Rhode Island, US. https://www.ecosophia.net/

Twilight of Pluto by John Michael Greer is copyright 2022 Inner Traditions. This extract is printed with permission from the publisher Inner Traditions International. www.InnerTraditions.com  

You can also view the book on Amazon.

Book Excerpt: Modern Astrologers - Alan & Bessie Leo

Modern Astrologers, by Kim Farnell, is a book I have been eagerly awaiting. It is about Alan Leo - probably the most influential astrologer of the early 20th century. What's more, my grandma worked for him in his London office. Here are some details about the book, written by its author, and short excerpts:

Almost everyone knows their star sign. And horoscope columns appear in almost all newspapers and women’s magazines. One man made this possible—in an era when practising astrology put you on the wrong side of the law.

Alan Leo was the first modern astrologer. He took an obscure, niche interest, re-packaged it, and placed it firmly at the centre of popular culture. His story is that of the other sort of Victorian—not the prudish and repressed empire builder, but one who mixed magic and science and rejected social mores in favour of creating a society where equality and universal brotherhood were the main themes.

Alan’s incorporation of concepts such as karma and reincarnation into astrology started the movement towards a more psychologically-oriented horoscope analysis. He was the first astrologer to argue for a loose interpretation of possible trends of experience rather than specific prediction of events, and his approach led to the birth of Sun sign astrology and popular horoscope columns. A pioneer of the practice of selling standardised birth chart interpretations, Leo also founded a number of astrological organisations, two of which continue to meet to the present day.

Throughout much of his life, Alan worked alongside his wife Bessie—this is her story, too.

Opening: In 1885 William Allan sat in a crowded waiting room. He’d never had much faith in doctors—they were expensive and he didn’t like the idea of taking prescribed drugs. And a few years earlier his jaundice had been resolved by the simple expedient of ingesting rosemary. However, it was comforting to listen to chatter about how clever the doctor was.

Finally, it was his turn. ‘How old are you?’ asked Dr Richardson without preamble. ‘Give me the place, time, and date of your birth.’

William waited while Dr Richardson consulted his books and then drew a map with figures on it. ‘You are suffering from kidney trouble, but will be quite well in about three weeks,’ the doctor said, handing William a herbal prescription. ‘Come back in a week.’

It wasn’t until William’s third visit that he summoned up enough courage to ask what his birth details had to do with his illness.

‘As I see by your map you can be trusted,’ said the doctor, ‘I will tell you. I study astrology.’ And he went on to explain what this meant, and how he found out by this means the treatment his patients required.

Fascinated, William listened closely. He was so absorbed that Dr Richardson asked him to come to tea on the following Sunday when he would show him how to cast a horoscope.

‘Was it not curious … that directly I heard the word “Astrology,”’ said William later, ‘I knew it, and knew that all I heard was true.’

Extract of chart reading: Chart prepared in 1901 for Daniel McCarthy, born in Garraunawarrig, Upper Townland, Cork (1 am, April 3rd, 1875) who moved to Minneapolis in 1893. At some point he was naturalised. He moved to Oakland, California before 1920 where he worked as a maths teacher. He married Gertrude (maiden name unknown) in about 1917—making Alan’s prediction below completely wrong. He had three children and died on 30 May 1974.

You have truly a remarkable horoscope and if you can carry the cross which in all probability you have you have placed upon your self – you will succeed in accomplishing this life what many would require 7 lives to perform.

If I may speak plainly to you for your own good I would advise you to be scrupulously careful with regard to speech.

You are apt at times to say more than you actually know, this will retard your progress and cause complications to arise, which will affect you in the unseen worlds

There is a very powerful text in the Voice of the Silence Light on the Path which says “Before the voice can speak in the presence of the Masters it must have lost the power to wound.” This should be your motto through life, for you need to take the sting out of some of your speech before you can impress those with whom you come into contact and give them the value of some of the depths of your nature.

You will realize this life much through the pairs of opposites.

By your physical conditions it is essential that you make practical that which is now only ideal.

Truth must be lived before it can be realized and the beauty of one’s own soul must be realized before true beauty can be appreciated.

You do not know the value of your own capabilities.

On the surface and externally you can display the best side of your nature, and are well able to conceal all that is undesirable and when you dip into yourself in an introspective manner you will find much waiting for you that requires clearing out. There is much more in your mind and your mental attitude towards things than is apparent until you put them to the most severe practical tests.

It is said that those whom the gods love, they chasten. You appear to have been chastened by some difficulties and handicaps and you have many more yet to undergo.

It is not wise to seek to avert them, but amidst it all, lose everything before you lose the determined spirit.

The basic quality of your natus is Intuition and reason.

Trust your own instincts and give your own soul a chance to whisper its commands to you – don’t let your brain be too active. s in Aries people—all—are too alert and are mentally too active. Stop thinking for a few minutes each day or wait and listen. You have 4 planets in fire signs therefore are devotional privately.

If you have not already studied the “Wisdom religion” for you it will indeed be light in darkness as it explains the why we are here and what we are here for!

The purpose of life and manifestation is the causes of the inequality of the human race. It sets forth the truth and only by the truth can any of us be set free.

You can view Modern Astrologers on Amazon.

Previous related post: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2018/02/witch-room-tales-saving-alan-leos-papers.html

Book Excerpt: Gate & Key: Sidereal 13 Sign Astrology

Here is an excerpt from a new book called Gate and Key: Sidereal 13 Sign Astrology - an introduction to Sidereal 13 Sign Astrology for lightworkers and evolving beings. It is by occultist G Desiree Fultz and was officially launched on December 13:

The 13th Zodiac, Ophiuchus, and its esoteric significance is in every underlying magical system and even hidden by allegory and symbol within many of the world religions and epic creation stories. Just a few interesting factoids suggesting the occult connection to Ophiuchus:

The number 13 is known to theologians as 'theophanic', meaning a 'manifestation of God to man'. Theophany is the appearance of a deities/gods to a human. Most cults have been born of a connection to a Theophanic event.

In the Kabala, 13 signifies the arrival of a new cycle: the thirteenth hour is also the first.

The 13th Chakra is where matter merges with light; the gate of Astral Projection. 13th chakra is outside the body, but the energy of the 13th chakra is experienced in the heart. The energy it resonates is unconditional Love. Unlike the seven major centers of the body, this one cannot become blocked.

There are 12 cosmological constants and 1 uncertainty principle in astrophysics; the branch of astronomy concerned with the nature of stars and other celestial bodies. It explores physics and chemistry, and applies of the laws and theories of physics to explain astronomical observations.

The Bible assigns the number 13 with the esoteric meaning representing“rebellion against constituted authority”.

[US] Independence Day (which was an act of open rebellion against tyranny) is 13 days after the Summer Equinox and divides the year exactly in half. One side before and one side after. [There are] 13 red and white stripes on the U.S. Flag.

A witches' coven consists of 13 members. There are 13 steps leading to the hanging gallows. There are 13 loops in a hangman’s noose. Apollo 13 is the only unsuccessful moon landing.

The 13th Tarot card is Death. The card is connected to Pluto (which rules Scorpio, and it the zodiac nearest Ophiuchus) There are 78 (6 x 13 = 78) Tarot cards in a Tarot deck.

The 13th Rune is Eiwaz. This rune is the balance point between light and dark (the point of transformation)

The letter M is the 13th letter in the English and Hebrew alphabets and hold sacred esoteric significance with a meaning that rules the transition of day and night, and even death and life.

Sacred Geometry: Within the symbol of the Flower of Life is found the 'Fruit of Life'. The shape of the Fruit-of-Life is composed of 13 circles. 13 is also the key for unity and for transition between worlds and dimensions as mentioned before, where light and dark meet.

Music theory: Chromatic scales of the 12 notes include The 13th note is actually repeating the first note, only on a higher frequency. When you attain a higher octave you enter a higher dimension and so on, up the scale, every 13th note bringing you up to the next level.

The number 13 is a prime number and is only divisible by itself, incorruptible.

Ophiuchus: the hunted, the hidden, the misunderstood. She has been slandered, accused, misrepresented, because her ultimate aim is to create, seek, heal, love unconditionally, and usurp the powers of tyrants. She is a threat to the regime, a silent power that liberates and frees the innocent by any means necessary, even if it means death and rebirth. She is the gateway to immortality and the knowledge of good and evil. She is the 13th constellation and absolutely relevant to our times!

'Ophiuchus is the gateway and Chiron is the key,
the way to life and healing, to immortality.'

You can view Gate and Key: Sidereal 13 Sign Astrology on Amazon

The Void Of Course Moon and Tarot Card Readings

This post about ways to improve your divination skills by working with the moon was written by professional tarot reader Brad Carels.

Timing your tarot card readings with the moon can have a big impact on your results. The Void of Course Moon is notorious for creating inconsistencies - and I have found this to be true in regards to divination, as well. During this time, your tarot cards may give you unexpected answers that may not make much sense.

Regardless of the urgency of your readings, I would recommend waiting until the VoC Moon has passed before making any serious enquiries.

A Void of Course Moon is when the moon completes its last aspect with any of the planets, and the moon has not yet moved into the next zodiac sign. This event can occur every day or two and can last anywhere from an hour to an entire day. The cause of this difference in length of time is because the position of the planets themselves are always changing.

This Astrological Moon Calendar can be set to your specific location and time zone, so you can see exactly when VoC Moons will be starting and ending. What's even handier is you can see months in advance, so you can plan accordingly!

While Void of Course Moons aren't a good time to perform readings, they can be the perfect time to analyze past readings, or meditate on a card to help attain a deeper connection with it. This is a time that the mind is generally quieter and calmer, which can be optimal conditions for deep thinking and meditation.

Pro Tip: If you lay out your tarot card spread just before a Void of Course Moon starts, you can take advantage of the increased stillness of the mind this provides to deeply analyse the results of your reading. You can also take a picture of readings you perform outside of the VoC Moon, which can then be reassessed during this time for deeper concentration.

Experiment with the Void of Course Moon and see how it affects you and your tarot card readings! First-hand experience can help you better understand the energies the Moon provides.

Brad Carels, Owner of Druid's Tarot
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DruidsTarot

Witch Room Tales: Saving Alan Leo's Papers

Two lovely guests had coffee and biscuits with me in my witch room earlier this week. Wendy Stacey of the Astrological Association and Kim Farnell of the Astrological Lodge of London stayed for a chat when they came to collect some precious papers to be scanned for posterity.

The papers are Alan Leo's correspondence courses in astrology. My grandma, May Robbins, was the famous astrologer's secretary and typed up all the material that was sent out to students. This would have been about 100 years ago, so long before photocopiers. Each lesson posted out had to be returned by the student when they had finished with it so it could be sent on to the next person. As you can imagine, there weren't very many copies produced.

It seems that the papers I inherited from my grandma might be the only complete set of Alan Leo's astrology courses still in existence. I am very pleased they will soon be available in a digital format and won't be lost.


It was lovely to chat with Wendy and Kim, who you can see in the photo at the top of this post - taken in front of one of the bookcases in my witch room. The picture at the bottom shows Alan Leo's papers on the my table before being boxed up and taken to be scanned.

Kim has written a book called Leo Rising - The Story of the Astrological Lodge of London and is currently writing a biography of Alan Leo. (You can view Leo Rising on Amazon.)

One of my new year resolutions for 2018 was to blog about some of the things in my witch room and also some of the things I've been getting up to there. I first did a post of that kind back in 2016, when I wrote a post about decorating the room. This year, each month, I am writing further posts.

Links and previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2018/01/witch-room-tales-what-occult-bums-sat.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2016/12/tales-from-witch-room-decorating-done.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2018/01/the-bad-witchs-10-new-years-resolutions.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2017/12/a-happy-solstice-with-alan-leos-sun.html

Book Review: Qabalah - Practical Magic by David Wells

Qabalah is a framework or system that has been hugely influential to many magical, mystical and spiritual traditions including Wicca and other modern pagan paths as well as the Golden Dawn, Thelema and Western Esotericism. It is very much connected to the use of tarot and astrology.

I would say that a basic understanding of Qabalah is essential for anyone involved in any of the things I've mentioned above. However, it can be a complicated subject.

A new book in the Hay House Basics range, Qabalah, by David Wells, sets out to explain the essential principles of the subject in an easy to understand way. Actually, introducing magical and spiritual subjects clearly and simply is the core premise of the entire Hay House Basics series. I've read many of the books in the series; they are generally excellent and this book is one of the best.

I was also delighted to meet up with David at the recent Hay House Bloggers party. I got him to sign my copy of the book as well as taking his photo. You can see it to the left - he is in front of a picture in the Hay House UK offices, not standing in a forest!

David is a nice bloke, a witty and knowledgeable writer and a good teacher - I went to a workshop he ran on Qabalah at Witchfest a few years ago and found it very instructive.

This is what Hay House has to say about his new book:

Discover Qabalah, a Western non-religious mystic tradition containing a body of magical knowledge and practices to help you embrace your higher self. In this book, you will learn, the role of the Tree of Life - the central organizational system of Qabalah, the meaning of each Sephira, or sphere, on the Tree, an exercise and meditation for each Sephira, how to work with and understand the symbolism of each Sephira, from Gods and Goddesses to crystals, how to increase the energy for your meditations and create a personal sigil, or symbol, to represent your highest values and how to use Qabalistic prayer and work with the four great Archangels for daily support and protection.

As well as offering basic details about Qabalah and introducing the Sephira, in Qabalah David offers a series of meditations and exercises to start your own journey of personal development on the Tree of Life. He also explains how to use Qabalah to further studies of tarot and astrology.

Qabalah can be ordered via Amazon.

The photos show David Wells and the book cover

Links and previous related posts
Qabalah: Discover Powerful Tools to Explore Practical Magic and the Tree of Life (Hay House Basics)
http://davidwells.co.uk/
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2017/04/pagan-eye-witch-blogger-party-cocktail.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2015/04/review-tarot-how-to-read-and-interpret.html
http://www.hayhouse.co.uk/

Review: Hay House Basics - Astrology

Astrology is one of those things I've always wanted to be able to do - particularly because my grandma was an astrologer. Back before the First World War she worked for Alan Leo, who is often called The Father of Modern Astrology. Sadly, my grandma died when I was a child and so never taught me the skills of constructing a birth chart or interpreting one.

Over the years I've read several books with the intention of teaching myself the skills of astrology, but still didn't get the hang of it. In general I found they were either too superficial or too complicated for me to get beyond the basics of what the various zodiac signs and planets symbolise.

However, I am very pleased to say I have finally got over that hurdle. The book that did it for me was Astrology: A Guide to Understanding Your Birth Chart by Yasmin Boland. It is in  the Hay House Basics series, which is a range of reasonably priced books teaching mind, body, spirit subjects in a clear and concise way so that anyone can understand them. I'm a big fan of the series and Hay House Basics - Astrology is possibly my favourite so far.

Right from the start the book gets you working on your own birth chart with practical exercises that you can either fill in on the pages or in a notebook. (I did the latter, as I don't like to deface books.)
It takes everything slowly and explains the principles in easy-to-grasp terms. By the end I felt I was finally able to look at my chart and understand what the lines, rings and symbols on it mean.

Of course, it is a beginner's book, aimed at giving a ground in the subject. Reading it and doing the exercises can only be the first step in actually learning to be an astrologer. And, as Yasmin Boland says in the conclusion, the best thing to do when you have finished is read the entire book all over again - perhaps using it to work on the birth chart of a friend, loved one or family member. I expect I'll be doing that, too.

You can order Astrology: A Guide to Understanding Your Birth Chart via Amazon.

Links and previous related posts
http://www.hayhouse.co.uk/
http://charts.allstarastrologers.com//form/YB/FREECHART/
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2015/12/review-hay-house-basics-numerology.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2015/01/review-angels-lead-new-series-of-basics.html
https://www.facebook.com/yasminboland
@HayHouseUK
@hayhouse

Pagan Eye: Lucky Cat for Chinese New Year

Here is a the Oriental lucky cat that I was given at Yule, on my altar for Chinese New Year.

It is the start year of the rooster in 2017 - not the year of the cat. In fact, there is no cat in the Chinese Zodiac, although there is a year of the tiger.

According to one Chinese folk tale, the reason that the cat is absent from the animals that form the 12-year cycle is also the reason why cats and rats are enemies. This is how the story goes:

Back in the day when the Jade Emperor was still arranging the zodiac, he organised a race to decide which animals would have a year named after them. At that time, the cat and the rat were friends and the cat asked the rat to wake her up so they could both get to the start of the race together. However, the rat forgot. The cat overslept and, despite running as fast as she could, she reached the finish line long after the other animals. Since then, cats have chased rats whenever they see them.

Actually, the real reason there is no year of the cat in Chinese astrology is that there were no domestic cats in China at the time the system was developed. I guess in some ways that means the cat was late for the heavenly race after all, but it had nothing to do with rats.

The lucky cat with the waving hand actually originated in Japanese culture, but is popular in China too.

On each Pagan Eye post, I show a photo that I find interesting, with a few words about it. It can be a seasonal image, a pagan site, an event, or just a pretty picture.

If you want to send me a photo for a Pagan Eye post, please email it to badwitch1234@gmail.com Let me know what the photo shows and whether you want your name mentioned or not. For copyright reasons, the photo must be one you have taken yourself and you must confirm that you are submitting it for A Bad Witch's Blog.

Links and previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2016/03/pagan-eye-dragon-at-magical-lantern.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/01/ten-chinese-new-year-customs-and.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2016/12/lovely-presents-what-i-got-for-yule.html

Astrology: Will 2017 be your Lucky Year?

Astrologer Russell Grant looks at how lucky each Sun Sign will be throughout 2017 with a focus on specific dates and months:

Aries (Mar 21/Apr 20)
A financial, creative or emotional gamble could pay off handsomely on August 21st, thanks to a lucky Solar Eclipse. Be sure to roll the dice on this fateful day. From January through to early October, you’ll be very successful working with a partner. Teaming up with someone who has excellent social skills will work to your advantage. While they focus on attracting clients and improving customer relations, you should concentrate on generating sales. If you want to start your own business, it would be wise to form a partnership with someone with an impeccable reputation. After October 10th and through to the end of the year, you could receive several windfalls. An inheritance, insurance refund or legal settlement will allow you to finance a cherished dream. Use this extra money to travel, study or write. Going to an overseas university is also a possibility. Alternatively, your romantic partner could get a great job in a foreign country, prompting you to relocate. This grand adventure will strengthen your bond, drawing you closer together than ever before.

Taurus (Apr 21/May 21)
Tremendous luck will help improve your health in 2017, particularly between January and early October. Take this opportunity to get in shape, improve your diet and practise relaxation techniques. If you take good care of your body, you’ll feel energised and attractive. Your increased energy will attract a range of job opportunities. If you’ve been out of work, you’ll get at least one good job offer. A position involving writing, research or teaching could come your way in July. Accept this chance, as it will bring both intellectual stimulation and emotional fulfilment. In mid-October, your good fortune will take the form of a relationship. Teaming up with someone who knows your wants and wishes will put you in the path of love, money and creative fulfilment. If you work in an artistic field, you would be wise to find a talented agent, manager or editor. When you feel as if you’re out of your depth, don’t hesitate to hire a seasoned professional. You will benefit from their expertise so don’t begrudge them their fee.

Gemini (May 22/Jun 21)
You’ll have tremendous good fortune with creative pursuits during the first ten months of 2017. Whether you’re a performing artist, writer or craftsperson, you could make a lot of money from your talent. Take this opportunity to go on auditions, submit your work for publication or sell your handiwork. In mid-October, your health might well improve. This is a good time to improve your diet, get more exercise and practise relaxation techniques. If you’ve been dealing with a persistent ache or pain, a talented health professional can pinpoint the source of the trouble. Follow their advice to the letter. Ending a toxic relationship or leaving an oppressive work situation is also worth considering. Finding a better job will be easy between mid-October and the end of the year. Working unusual hours could be a good arrangement for you. Alternatively, you might get a job connected with the arts or linked to the environment. Pursue work that fills you with passion. Being excited to be doing a job you like will fire your energy and fuel your creativity.

Cancer (Jun 22/Jul 23)
Your home life could be a source of great joy and happiness between January and early October. Spending lots of time with your nearest and dearest will bring out the best in you. Hosting a family reunion or anniversary will be more fun than you think. If you want to move to a bigger or better place, this is the time to start looking around. You’ll be able to find somewhere at a reasonable price. Serendipity is at work as a generous or kind relative might be able to help financially. If you already love your abode, take this opportunity to do some home improvements that will increase the value of your property. You can also buy some beautiful furniture, prints and pictures. By mid-October, your good fortune will take the form of creativity. Developing your artistic talent will give you an attractive glow that’s hard to resist. If you’re single, you won’t be for long. Have fun playing the field. You’ll have a choice of several admirers. Choose the one that admires and fires your imagination. You’ll benefit from having a creative cheerleader.

Leo (Jul 24/Aug 23)
Providence could prompt you to further your education between January and early October. Taking a stimulating course will put you in touch with some interesting individuals. It will also make you rethink your aims and aspirations. You might decide to pursue a career as a self-employed freelancer. Learning a foreign language or mastering a musical instrument is also a possibility. By mid-October, your good fortune will focus on the home front. Acquiring or renting a new property could be on the cards. Look into every nook-and-cranny for a down payment. Alternatively, you could come into an inheritance. Be sure to attend a family get together. You’ll have a wonderfully nostalgic time connecting with relatives and remembering old times. News of an engagement, marriage or pregnancy will bring everybody together in a spirit of harmony. If you’ve been having problems with one of the family, you’ll have a chance to repair the relationship during the final three months of the year. Extend a tentative olive branch and you won’t be disappointed.

Virgo (Aug 24/Sep 23)
You will have plenty of opportunities to increase your income between January and early October. If you want a better paid position, you should be able to find one with relative ease. Work related to property, public relations and the law should be especially lucrative. A welcome gift or bonus could also come your way during this period. You should follow up a chance to study in the autumn. If you hear about an exciting course, sign up immediately. Don’t lose a chance to fulfil your destiny. The knowledge you acquire will be useful, both professionally and personally. Not only will you be able to use your newfound skills to find work, but you’ll also make some really great friends amongst your fellow students. A series of short trips will keep you on the move during the last three months of the year. You’ll enjoy these changes of scenery. If you need a new car, buy one between mid-October and late November. You’ll find a reasonable model that serves you well and gives little trouble, especially if you go for an extended warranty.

Libra (Sep 24/Oct 23)
You are brimming with self-confidence, wit and charm, especially from January through to early October. Attracting love, abundance and creative fulfilment will be easy. Are you looking for romance? Would be admirers will beat a path to your door. Choose an offbeat rebel who helps you loosen up. If you’ve ever wanted to start a business, this is a fantastic time to set the wheels in motion. Having a distinctive logo will attract customers to your door. It’s important to offer distinctive products and services that are a reflection of your own values. When it comes to artistic pursuits, this is the ideal time to go on auditions, submit work for publication or sell your handiwork. By mid-October, your income will increase significantly. Making money from creative pursuits is a strong possibility. Alternatively, you could land a lucrative job with significant benefits. Be sure to take advantage of a generous retirement package or profit-sharing scheme. Use this period of prosperity to build your own little nest egg. Have a cash reserve means you can do the sort of things you want to do without having to watch every penny and that will give you the freedom and independence you crave.

Scorpio (Oct 24/Nov 22)
Good fortune suffuses the spiritual side of life from January to early October. Converting to a different religion, forging new cultural links, taking up an esoteric interest or communing with nature will help you transcend the everyday mundane problems of life that cause stress. Donating your time or money to a charity will also result in lucky breaks for you. You could find love while working at a fundraiser or get offered a job while volunteering at an animal shelter. By the middle of October, you’ll have an opportunity to showcase your talent. If you’re in the performing arts be sure to go on auditions. You could be given a role of a lifetime. Are you a writer? Submit your work for publication. Are you into arts and crafts? Show your work to a boutique owner who sells handcrafted merchandise. Going into business for yourself will also be successful, especially if you put a personal stamp on your work. Prepare for your star to rise between mid-October and the end of the year, when people will be highly appreciative of your unique talents.

Sagittarius (Nov 23/Dec 21)
Your social network will bring a plethora of opportunities from January right through to early October. Whether you want to find love, get a job or sell a property, you should spread the word among friends. Someone will be able to connect you with the perfect option to meet your needs. If you get a chance to lead a large group, take it. Not only will you gain valuable experience, you’ll also be able to use this position as a springboard to bigger and better things. Attend as many parties, casual get-togethers and professional conferences as possible during this period. You’re sure to make friends with influential people. By mid-October the focus will be on your private life. Solitary pursuits like reading and writing will be therapeutic. You’ll gain a stronger sense of yourself by listening to your intuition. By carving out more private time, you’ll be able to develop a writing project or embark on a spiritual journey. There’s every chance you will go on a solitary holiday during the final three months of the year.

Capricorn (Dec 22/Jan 20)
There’s good luck in your professional life between January and early October. Go for a promotion, start a business or assume more responsibility. You’ll impress both your peers and superiors during this golden time. If you are an artist, this would be an ideal time to put your work on display. Never turn away an opportunity to stand in the spotlight. You’ll get a receptive audience wherever you go. By mid-October, the importance of work will recede and you’ll be able to pour more energy into your social life. Fulfilling a childhood dream is a strong possibility during the final three months of the year. Turn to influential friends for help with this goal. You’ll be surrounded by supportive people who only want the best for you. Expanding your social circle is always a good idea so be sure to attend as many gatherings and professional conferences as possible as the year draws to a close. You could meet someone who will have a pivotal effect on your life at a festive holiday party.

Aquarius (Jan 21/Feb 19)
2017 brings a chance to travel, write and study extensively throughout the first nine months of the year. Be sure to schedule at least one long distance journey between January and early October. Visiting a country that has fascinated you since childhood will attract love and prosperity. By mid-October, you’ll be very busy with work. You’ll have a wonderful chance to climb the ladder to success. Someone in the career structure will be preparing to retire, leaving a space for you to occupy. You’ll have to work hard to win this position, but don’t worry. Your energy and enthusiasm will take you far. If you have your own business, you’ll have one of your best years ever. The secret to your success will be offering rewards to repeat customers. Offering discounted products and services to the public dramatically increase profits. If you play your cards right, you’ll be able to open additional outlets or expand your offerings. Your methods will be so innovative that they’ll attract the attention of the people who matter. You may be interested in taking up a position in your local or even national media.

Pisces (Feb 20/Mar 20)
A run of good luck will come through your best friend, romantic partner or business contacts between January and early October. Whether you’re invited to go on a vacation, a lavish shopping trip or an impressive professional conference, you should say “YES!” With the February Eclipse in your sign the Universe is poised to reward you for all the generosity and kindness you’ve bestowed on others. Don’t turn your back on these rewards. By mid-October, serendipity will take the form of mind expanding and horizon widening activities. Getting an advanced degree, publishing a compelling piece of writing and travelling the world are all possibilities. Legal matters could also go well for you, as long as you conduct yourself with integrity. If you have a chance to settle a case out of court, do it. Resolving this matter will leave you free to pursue the activities and relationships you love. Exploring your spiritual side is sure to bring you great happiness. This can involve anything from converting to a different religion, communing with nature or taking up a devotional practice. Try connecting with those things that make life meaningful for you on a daily basis.

© Copyright Russell Grant Astrology Limited

Credit: www.russellgrant.com

Zodiac Groups & How to Calculate Horoscopes

Here is a feature by Danielle of Psychic Waters about astrology.

Zodiac Groups

The signs of the Zodiac, or your “Star Signs” as they’re colloquially known, are organised by four distinct groups, each relating to an elemental factor:

The Fire Signs: Aries, Sagittarius and Leo
The Air Signs: Libra, Aquarius and Gemini
The Water Signs: Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces
The Earth Signs: Capricorn, Taurus and Virgo

Each of these four elements is found inside all of our psyche and character, with each being typical of certain energies and traits we all possess.

The Fire: Represents our life and energy, rooted in the Sun itself, it is our primal and instinctive drive. It is our core energy force and where physical desire comes from.
The Air: Represents our mental energy and our objective thinking abilities. It promotes our communication, ideas and flexibility in thinking. It can cause us to be full of ideas, but sometimes prone to overthinking instead of doing.
The Water: Is our emotional energy and the ability to be fluid in response. To be able to adapt and respond to situations and events. But is what causes us to be unpredictable and led by emotion.
The Earth: Is stableness, reliability and practicality. It’s where our caring, patient, providing nature comes from - just how the Earth itself has done all this for us.

How each Zodiac sign is allocated to a particular elemental group is based on Earth’s yearly orbit around the sun and where exactly the planets are aligned at the time of birth.

This suggests certain tendencies towards a particular element, due to the alignment of the universe.

Here’s how the signs are sorted in relation to the Gregorian calendar, but, remember, the Zodiac transcends a human creation like a calendar as it is based on the movement of the planets around the sun:

January 20 - February 18 Aquarius
February 19 - March 20 Pisces
March 21 - April 19 Aries
April 20 - May 20 Taurus
May 21 - June 20 Gemini
June 21 - July 22 Cancer
July 23 - August 22 Leo
August 23 - September 22 Virgo
September 23 - October 22 Libra
October 23 - November 21 Scorpio
November 22 - December 21 Sagittarius
December 22 - January 19 Capricorn

How to Calculate Horoscopes

Complex calculations need to be completed in order to work out how the universe is aligned at a particular time and make a judgement of somebody’s horoscope.

You need the date of birth, the alignment and location of the Sun and its orbiting planets, the path they are on and strong mathematical skills to read the astrological charts which provide this information.

This is then compared to the equivalent information for how the universe is arranged today, this month, this year and further into the future.

Computers can now help with creating the data. You can input date and time information into complex algorithms which work out key astrological information for you. But you need to be able to interpret what the data means and what trends it suggests, in order to form an accurate horoscope.

Calculating horoscopes is far from being “airy fairy” or “wishy washy”, as my grandad used to say. There is some judgement needed in terms of interpreting how influential certain factors are going to be, but analysing hard data and trends is what drives horoscope creation.

For the avoidance of doubt - and the daily press is largely to blame for this - calculating horoscopes is not about predicting what will happen to you today, what the winning lottery numbers will be, and so on; it’s about learning how the universe order influences you, your life and what happens.

For example, someone with strong Fire energies might respond completely differently to a situation compared to an Air sign thinker. And, remember, we need the world to have people with both responses. So use your horoscopes to learn more about yourself, your habits and how people inherently behave.

If you are interested in finding out more about your horoscope or the process generally, check out our website: www.psychicwaters.com

The picture at the top is from Psychic Waters. The picture at the bottom is from Pexels.