Capricorn rising :: astrology & me

My natal chart

“You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here."

I’ve been interested in astrology for as long as I can remember. I think I was probably about 8 years old when I first read my horoscope in the ‘Daily Sketch’ and, at the age of 14, I bought myself a copy of Linda Goodman’s 'Sun Signs'. It was the early 1970s and just about everyone was interested in something ‘New Age’. I was hooked. In my early 20s, I began learning more about astrology.  Later, in my 30s, I studied astrology at night school and via the Faculty of Astrological Studies, then began to cast natal charts for friends and family. Studying astrology has never seemed at odds with the more practical, worldly aspects of my life. For me, astrology is not about the supernatural, or religion, or having special gifts; it is about knowing oneself, and accepting one’s place within the universe. For over 5,000 years, man has used astrology to illuminate the past, present and future. I'm not talking about glib paragraphs in glossy magazines, but carefully constructed natal charts that reveal a much deeper meaning. Many dismiss it as hokum but, having studied it, I am convinced that the exact position of the planets at your birth, your rising sign and key planetary aspects really can illuminate unique personality traits and shed light on character, career, relationships and day-to-day activities. Knowing your natal chart can help you discover inner potential, to bring self-awareness and understanding.

If you would like to request a natal chart analysis, please ask for further details.

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One of my favourite poems :: 'Desiderata'

In the 1970s, the poem ‘Desiderata’ became very popular. Written by American author Max Erhmann in 1927, it came to have great resonance with the 1970s culture and mindset that I grew up with.  Even though it has probably become something of a 1970s cliche, I think the words still have real significance for us today:

"Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others,
even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. 
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real
possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
Many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a
beautiful world.
Be careful. Strive to be happy." 

Max Ehrmann 1927