Quiz Answers

Maritha Pottenger

1. Mars, Jupiter and Uranus all share a theme of FREEDOM. They also can denote a risk-taking capacity and an attraction to the new.

2. Five great circles used in astronomy and astrology include:

(1) the ecliptic or Earth’s path around the Sun (the Sun’s apparent path in the sky) extended into infinity;

(2) the celestial equator—the earth’s Equator extended into infinity;

(3) the horizon—which divides the sky into top (“visible”) and bottom (“invisible”) halves and intersects the four cardinal points (north, south, east and west);

(4) the prime vertical—which runs through the zenith (the point directly overhead), the nadir (that point directly beneath one’s feet) and the east and west points of the horizon;

(5) the meridian (of the birthplace)—which runs through the zenith, the nadir and the north and south points of the horizon.

These are all “great circles” and, by definition, all go through the center of the earth. The horizon defined above is the RATIONAL horizon which goes through the middle of the earth rather than the VISIBLE horizon which has hills, buildings, etc.

The angles used in the horoscope all consist of intersections between two great circles. The Midheaven is the intersection of the ecliptic and the meridian (above the horizon). The IC (4th house cusp) is the intersection of the ecliptic and the meridian (below the horizon). Please note that the Midheaven is NOT the zenith, nor is the IC the nadir. The Ascendant is the intersection of the horizon with the ecliptic in the east, while the Descendant is the intersection of the horizon with the ecliptic in the west. The Antivertex is the intersection of the ecliptic with the prime vertical in the east, while the Vertex is the intersection of the ecliptic with the prime vertical in the west. The East Point relies on an unnamed great circle. That circle goes through the north and south celestial poles (Earth’s north and south poles extended into infinity) and through the east and west points of the horizon. The East Point is formed at the intersection of this unnamed great circle and the ecliptic in the east, while the West Point is that intersection in the west.

Furthermore, the zero Aries point (beginning of our tropical zodiac) is one intersection of the ecliptic and equator. The opposite point, zero Libra, is the second intersection of the ecliptic and the equator. The Sun occupies these points at the equinoxes (when day and night are equal). The Sun is at zero Aries during the March equinox and at zero Libra during the September equinox. (The March equinox is called the spring equinox in the northern hemisphere, but is a fall equinox for the southern hemisphere.)

3. The argumentative couple at the party who criticized each other for differing approaches to money, sexuality and food are exhibiting the FIXED DILEMMA. They seem to be particularly involved with the 2-8 (Venus/Pluto; Taurus/Scorpio; 2nd house/8th house) polarity of self-indulgence versus self-mastery.

4. For the woman interested in selling her house, we would look for quincunxes or oppositions (the most common aspects indicating separation) to the Moon, planets in the 4th house, the IC itself, or rulers of the 4th house. It would be particularly apropos if some of these quincunxes or oppositions involved keys to the self (Letter 1, including Mars, Ascendant, East Point, Antivertex, planets in the 1st house and rulers of the 1st house) as that would imply the woman separating from her current home environment.

We would also seek harmony (supportive aspects, especially trines and sextiles) to her monetary keys. This includes Letter 2 (Venus, 2nd house planets, rulers of the 2nd house, Taurus placements) which is a key to money she earns herself. It also includes Letter 8 (Pluto, 8th house planets, rulers of the 8th house, Scorpio placements) which is a key to money coming from others.

One classic aspect, for example, would be Mars in the 10th house opposing or quincunxing a 4th house planet while trining a 2nd house planet. Another very appropriate possibility would be the Moon conjuncting the IC (just moving into the 4th house) while trining an 8th house planet on one side and trining the ruler of the 2nd cusp on the other side.

Please remember that the above are just a few out of MANY, MANY different possibilities. And, any event will be shown by a NETWORK of aspects. Never rely on one aspect alone for an interpretation. The more aspects which reinforce a given theme (event), the more significant it is (likely it is to occur).

5. This is more of a counseling issue than anything else, and we cannot give an exact response here. It would naturally depend on your rapport, the mother’s reactions, etc.

However, one important point would be that air and water relate primarily to the inner world (thinking and imagining) and can indicate a somewhat passive/receptive approach to life. It would be important to discuss the handicaps of overdoing that side of water as well as pointing out the assets of water (great creative imagination; ability to access unconscious material, intuition, capacity for inspiration).

In terms of talents, we might be particularly struck by the strong potential of creative/imaginative talent (water emphasis, including grand trine plus stellium in Leo and in the 5th house). Artistic options seem very possible with one Libran asteroid of beauty closely conjunct Vesta, the asteroid of work, plus a Venus/Neptune conjunction. We note that both Jupiter and Moon occupy a “Gauquelin sector” (“zone of power”), the first associated with actors, politicians and journalists, the second associated with writers.

Another important point to discuss would be the presence of several planets in Virgo occupying the 6th house. They indicate that the ability to work competently does exist. When we notice that two of these three planets are the Sun (part of our growth potential) and Uranus (connected to future developments), we might suspect that his use of the Letter 6 functions in his psyche might take a little time. We might also suspect that a desire for a nonroutine, creative style of work (Sun/Uranus again plus Vesta in Leo and a Leo/5th house stellium) is part of the issue. He may be unhappy with “mundane” work and want something exciting. The mother might be encouraged to support him in investigating innovative jobs, opportunities which might eventually lead to self-employment, the performing arts, or anything involving risks, change and some public recognition.

If we were concerned only with the question of when the son might leave home, we would look for similar patterns as in question #4—of separation aspects (especially oppositions and quincunxes) involving the Moon, planets in the 4th and rulers of the 4th [keys to home] and Mars, planets in or ruling the 1st house, the Ascendant, EP, AV [key to the young man himself]. However, the mother is here; the young man is not. Focusing merely on his issues (particularly since we have only her version of his issues) would be counterproductive. If we accept life’s principle of balance, we assume that when someone is involved with another person who overdoes a part of life, it is a sign that the first person is underdoing that part of life. Thus, it seems likely that the mother would have strong patterns with earth and possibly fire. We would suspect that she is very identified with the need to work, be practical, and take care of business. Her son appears to be overdoing the expression of harmony/ease/being laid-back. She is probably overdoing the taking of responsibility and being dedicated.

It is quite possible that she needs to learn to do LESS—which gives him the opportunity to learn to do MORE. (Her doing less might include charging rent rather than providing it for free, but she has numerous options.) The son is providing an opportunity for the mother to learn to be more balanced in her expression. If she ignored the opportunity by concentrating only on her desire to make HIM change, she is likely to continue overdoing her end of the polarity. By paying attention to HER issues, we help her to realize that true change can only be accomplished with the self—not by trying to alter others.

6. Another counseling question calling for establishing good rapport to make sure the client can hear us, so fear will not lead her to block or distort what we say. I would probably point out that two aspects do not necessarily indicate any kind of event and give her cases of other dramatic aspects where nothing significant has occurred in the outer life. I would then go on to discuss the principles which are involved, and give examples of how these principles can be expressed in POSITIVE actions rather than negative ones.

One of the central issues here is freedom and personal/individual self-expression, with Mars/Ascendant/Uranus all involved. It would be essential for her to pay attention to her personal needs. She might want to change her appearance, start working out, begin a new exercise program or initiate other changes in how she relates to her physical being. She might want to take up a new hobby or allow herself the space to do something she has always wanted to do, but felt she “couldn’t” or did not deserve, or did not have time for. The emphasis would be on increased independence of action. (She might take up astrology as a hobby, for example.) Mechanical skills are one option with any combinations involving Mars, Mercury and Uranus, so if there is interest, that would be a possible involvement.

After discussing some of the potential positives, I would address the issue of the bulk of her chart being mud (earth/water). I would check to see if she has largely played a “mud” role in life: supportive, helpful, faithful, dutiful, etc. If that is the case, I would point out that the current patterns are emphasizing the need for her to allow herself more freedom. This is an ongoing issue (Mars was natally square the Ascendant). I would point out the dangers of projection: if she denies her need to “break loose” and “break free” in some way, she is likely to attract other people (or events) who will express that rebellious/revolutionary potential for her (usually in excess). That could include a partner taking freedom from the relationship (e.g., a divorce or an affair). It could encompass a build-up of events and inner frustration (if she suppresses her own needs and desires) until something abrupt FORCES a change in the situation (not always pleasantly). I would then reiterate that the planets are just indicating psychological drives and principles. If we express our drives in positive ways, we need not be concerned about what is likely to happen. I would encourage her to brainstorm some additional positive uses of the themes of Mars/Uranus and leave her with a sense of personal power, a number of choices and a faith that she can handle the situation.

7. Jupiter radiates more energy than it absorbs from the Sun.

This fits the fiery symbolism of Jupiter—concerned with energy, outpouring, extraversion, confidence and faith. Jupiter symbolizes generosity (because of the faith that one can always get more), grand gestures and wheeler-dealers. Jupiter is associated with the liver—one of the few parts of the body that can regenerate itself, even if largely destroyed. Jupiter-types are often magnetic and impressive. The astrological symbolism fits very well the radiating reality of this planet.

8. The Moon is found in the “zones of power” in the horoscopes of eminent writers. Since the Moon symbolizes inner feelings (and imagination like all of water), it can indicate the sensitivity to emotions which characterizes good writers of fiction. The public is also denoted by the Moon and writers could be considered to have their finger on the public pulse. Representing a reflective, inward nature, the Moon could also point to the strong privacy focus which many writers have.

The character traits which Michel and Francoise Gauquelin found associated with individuals having the Moon in “zones of power” included “dreamer, humorous, love nature, lyrical, mystic, naive, poet, religious, sentimental, susceptible to influences, youthful” (See Psychology Of The Planets by Francoise Gauquelin) and others. Many of these descriptions fit the astrological traditions of water in general (especially Neptune as well as the Moon). In general, the arena of emotions is a central one for most writers, and fits well with a lunar focus.

9. A harmonic chart could be called a multiple horoscope. A harmonic chart is calculated by multiplying the positions (in a 360 degree system) of all the planets by the harmonic number. Then any position which is greater than 360 has 360 subtracted out (as many times as is necessary). The positions which result then make up that harmonic chart which is usually placed on a wheel with equal houses either from the harmonic Ascendant or from the harmonic Midheaven.

The harmonic chart used commonly in Hindu astrology is called the “navamsa” chart and is a 9th-harmonic horoscope. It is considered particularly reflective of the soul growth and potentials of the individual owning it.

To form such a horoscope, every planetary position would be converted to degrees of the 360-degree circle. That is, seven Aries is 7 degrees, but 7 Taurus is 37 and 7 Gemini is 67, etc. Each position is then multiplied by 9 (the number of the harmonic). A position of 7 degrees becomes 63. However, a position of 241 degrees (originally 1 Sagittarius) would become 2169 degrees. After the multiplication, extra 360 degree chunks are eliminated. The position of 2169 has six extra sets of 360 (6 times 360 equals 2160), so the final “navamsa” position is 9 degrees (or 9 Aries). A similar procedure is followed for all positions.

10. Using the principles of the 12-letter alphabet, we first identity the areas of focus. Beliefs and values are generally Letters 9 (long-range goals and values, belief systems and world views) and l2 (unconscious faith and trust in the Universe, habit patterns from early life or past lives, aspirations). Letter 11 (connected to future trends, hopes and wishes) could be considered part of the picture (perhaps 1/2 weight).

Here we have Jupiter (9) occupying the 9th house in Leo (5). Since we give extra weight to planets, we have a strong Letter 9 flavor. When a house pertaining to an area is occupied, we also look to see what cusp the sign of that planet occupies. In this case, Jupiter rules Sagittarius which falls on the cusp of the 2nd house (2), but is also occupied in the 1st house (1). Continuing with rulers we have the Sun ruling the 9th. The Sun conjuncts Mercury (3 or 6) and Uranus (11) in the 2nd (2) in Capricorn (10). Mercury rules the Virgo in the 9th and Mercury conjuncts the Sun (5) and Uranus (11) in the 2nd (2) in Capricorn (10). Pluto rules the 12th and is found in the 7th house (7) in Gemini (3). Venus rules the 11th and is found in the 3rd house (3) in Aquarius (11). Pluto rules the Scorpio in the 11th and might be counted again (additional weight for Letters 3 and 7).

We also consider the natural planets of these areas. Jupiter falls in the 9th (9) in Leo (5). Uranus conjuncts the Sun (5) and Mercury (3 or 6) in the 2nd (2) in Capricorn (10). Neptune falls in the 8th (8) in Cancer (4).

We can look at the signs as well, but remember to give them relatively little weight. Sagittarius is occupied by Juno (7) in the 1st (1). Aquarius is occupied by Venus (2 or 7) in the 3rd (3). Pisces is occupied by Saturn (10), Mars (1), and the Moon (4), all in the 4th (4,4,4) house.

If we look only at the actual repetitions (without allowing differential weighting), we get to:

Letter 1:

3 (-2)

Letter 2:

5

Letter 3*:

6

Letter 4:

5 (-4)

Letter 5:

4

Letter 6:

0

Letter 7:

3 (-1)

Letter 8:

1

Letter 9:

2 (+)

Letter 10:

4 (-1)

Letter 11:

3

Letter 12:

0

*Since there are other Letter 3’s, I am considering the Mercury appearances as Letter 3 rather than Letter 6. The minuses indicate cases where some repetitions are due to counting occupied signs. The plus refers to the case where a planet is actually present.

The above letters, if unmodified, ignore the fact that planets are much more significant than houses and signs and that signs are particularly the least weighty of factors. Therefore, Letter 4 appears MUCH more significant than it ought, since 4 of its 5 repetitions come through sign placements. Also, Letter 9 deserves much more weight than appears as its planet is the only one actual present in any of the houses relating to beliefs and values.

If we discount cases based on signs and add weight to cases based on planets, those Letters with more than 3 repetitions become Letter 3, 2, 5, 9, 10 and 11. We notice several themes within these letters. The mixture is almost entirely earth and air (only one fire letter). This implies a world view based largely on rationality, logical and physical sense evidence. (The earth-air blend is quite sensible and relies on the mind rather than the emotions.) The intellect is strongly emphasized (with 3, 9 and 11 all represented, covering our major mental planets, Mercury, Jupiter and Uranus). We might suspect an original/ creative/inventive and excellent mind (with Mercury/Uranus/Sun conjunct) and it certainly looks as though her beliefs will develop through much thinking, philosophizing and mental exploring. They may have a strong intellectual flavor.

Earth, however, is also strongly present. Earth believes in physical sense evidence. In terms of beliefs, earth is more suggestive of the agnostic or atheist—the individual who may wonder if this is “all there is,” not trusting any leap of faith. We would expect a scientific (materialistic) approach with perhaps a strong focus on behaving responsibly (Letter 10) for personal pleasure (Letter 2).

The strong Letter 5 component seems at odds with the other themes. We might suspect that she could present her beliefs with flair (and drama). Perhaps she even teaches on occasion. She may attain public attention through her beliefs and values or perhaps lovers and/or children are important participants in her world view. The dynamic/exciting flavor of Letter 5 saves her from an otherwise dry/pedantic approach with the strong focus on intellect/practicality with the air-earth blend. Another side of the earth focus is the potential that her beliefs and values could serve as a career (Letter 10) and source of income (Letter 2). This brings us back to the option of teaching or perhaps writing, speaking or sharing information in other ways which could earn her money.

Let us turn now to the question of long-term relationships and potential partnerships (all forms of Letters 7 and 8). Beginning with the planets (and asteroids), we find Venus in the 3rd (3) in Aquarius (11). Pluto occupies the 7th (7) in Gemini (3). Juno occupies the 1st (1) in Sagittarius (9), while Pallas is in the 10th (10) in Virgo (6).

We go on to houses. The 7th is occupied by Pluto (8) in Gemini (3). The 8th is occupied by Vesta (6) in Cancer (4), Neptune (12) in Cancer (4) plus the north node—which we consider a bit more weight in terms of Letter 4 as it relates back to the Moon and is also in Cancer (4). We would also consider what houses are ruled by the planets which occupy the 7th and 8th. Pluto rules the 12th (12) and 1st (1) here. Neptune rules the 4th (4). Vesta is not considered a ruler, nor is the node.

We move on to consider the rulers of the 7th and 8th houses next. Venus rules the 7th, so we find again a count for the 3rd house (3) and for Aquarius (11). Mercury rules the 8th, giving us the conjunction to the Sun (5), to Uranus (11) in the 2nd house (2) in Capricorn (10). The Moon also rules the 8th and is found conjunct Mars (1) in the 4th (4) in Pisces (12). (The Moon is widely conjunct Saturn—10—if we choose to count it.) The small segment of Leo falling in the 8th house is ruled by the Sun, which is conjunct Mercury (3) and Uranus (11) in the 2nd (2) in Capricorn (10).

The sign Libra is occupied by Ceres (6 with overtones of 4) in the 10th house (10). Libra also falls on the cusp of the 11th house (11). Scorpio is unoccupied, but falls on the cusps of the 12th (12) and the 1st (1) houses.

Simple repetitions brings us to:

Letter 1:

4 (+)

Letter 2:

2

Letter 3:

5

Letter 4:

4

Letter 5:

1 (+)

Letter 6:

3 (+)

Letter 7:

1

Letter 8:

1 (+)

Letter 9:

1

Letter 10:

4 (+)

Letter 11:

5 (+)

Letter 12:

4 (+)

We would give extra weight to Letters 6, 8 and 12 because Vesta, Pluto and Neptune actually occupy partnership houses. We would also give extra weight to 1, 5, and 11 because Mars CLOSELY conjuncts the Moon (ruling the 8th) and the Sun and Uranus CLOSELY conjunct Mercury (ruling the 8th).

Looking at those that have ROUGHLY more than 3 repetitions, we come to: Letters 3, 11, 1, 10, 12, and 6. We see again an intellectual focus (Letters 3 and 11) with the necessity of a partner who is bright, communicative and will stimulate her mind. A working partnership is one option (Letters 6 and 10). Perhaps they met through work, or will share a task or a career in the world. Or, the work attitude (judgmental/critical) could be a problem if either turns the other into a “job” or a “make-over” project. The earth keys can also indicate endurance—people who make a strong commitment to one another and are determined to make the relationship “work” (succeed).

Not to be missed is a freedom focus (two of our three freedom letters are present—11 and 1). We would suspect both people need some space. If either was out of touch with that need for independence, s/he might project it onto the other. The “free soul” partner could then play the footloose and fancy free role in some way. If both are aware of their needs for independence, we would expect them to not be the traditional “togetherness” couple. In some way, they would be more independent of one another than is usual. This can range from actual open marriage (which is unlikely for people in their generation), to taking separate vacations and having lots of individual activities, to many friendships with others which take them away from the major one-to-one commitment, etc. Possessiveness would be a no-no. Liberty—on both their parts—is essential.

Most significant of all is the involvement of three out of four of the transpersonal letters (10, 11 and 12). In some way, we expect this relationship to involve the wider world. It could be that they share a political focus, an idealistic vision, an involvement in social causes. They may, as a partnership, be changing the world, impacting society in some way. There is the indication that they are NOT going to be solely concerned with their twosome. Both of them will be considering the broad perspective, societal issues and the big picture in some way. (Of course, if the freedom issue is not handled, these transpersonal involvements would be a lovely excuse for one party to get some separate space from the other.)

Lastly, we need to mention the Letter 12 focus, as this is often a real challenge in the area of personal relationships. When we tie the search for the emotional absolute (God) to human relationships, several uncomfortable paths are possible (and some positive ones as well). We can (1) look for the ideal, perfect partner and never be satisfied; (2) talk ourselves into believing we have found our soul mate, only to be disappointed when s/he turns out to have flaws so keep on trying repeatedly with new partners; (3) get involved with a partner who thinks s/he IS perfect/godlike; (4) attract victims to whom we try to play God by attempting to “save” them from themselves (e.g., alcoholics, addicts, psychotics, etc.). In mild form, this can be the game of Pygmalion and Galatea; (5) look for God together, sharing a spiritual/religious/ idealistic/artistic quest in the world; (6) idealize relationships so that none is so perfect as to meet our standards; (7) focus on the best in our partners and our relationships.

Options 5 and 7 can be quite positive, if we do not go overboard with rose-colored glasses. In this particular case, Letter 12 might be an asset to help counter Letters 6 and 10. Letters 6 and 10 tend to be quite critical and judgmental. Letter 12 tends to focus on and only notice what is appealing and positive. All relationships need some “forgiveness” and capacity to notice what is good in order to survive. (Letter 12 by itself suggests the individuals may be TOO idealistic, fooling themselves about problems, not willing to confront unpleasantness or believing they can play God and handle anything. Letters 6 or 10 by themselves may be too willing to find the flaws and focus on what is wrong.) The combination of 6 and 10 with 12 can mark practical idealists, working together. If misused, it suggests people who are never satisfied. They have such high standards (and yet such discriminating tastes) that they are never satisfied. No matter how well things go, they could be better, faster, higher, etc.

We would, of course, hope that this individual was able to make the compatible blend of realism and idealism in her relationships, work in some way with a partner, have an impact on the world to make it better and share many stimulating ideas and conversations.

Judge for yourself. The chart is of Simone de Beauvoir—noted philosopher, writer and advocate of social change. She had an open relationship with Sartre for years and years (long before such things were fashionable). She and Sartre were unofficial leaders of the Parisian intelligentsia. They encouraged the philosophy of existentialism, which assumes life has no inherent meaning, and it is up to each person to take the individual responsibility to give meaning to his/her life.

Copyright © 1986 Los Angeles Community Church of Religious Science, Inc.

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