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Astrology is one of my favorite pastimes for gathering insights into life.
On the first of each month, I scour the internet for forecasts to reveal what the planets have in store. I’ll pull up my chart, the yearly ephemeris, and try to make sense of all the moving parts.
One of the things I love most about astrology, and perhaps the reasons I gravitated towards it so easily is because it’s a different language — astro talk, so to speak. If you’ve ever overheard astro geeks getting into it (I’ve got Saturn opposing my sun right now, and it’s exhausting me) then you know what I mean. My friend– astrologer Sherene Schostak taught me how to speak this language.
Back in the 90s when our freelance schedules provided a lot of freetime, we’d hang out in the cafe and talk shop — how Jupiter in my first house increased my propensity towards expansion (including my waist-line), and how having my Saturn return was really cramping my style in all areas of life, not just in the third house where it was going on. Sherene helped break it down so clearly for me then that I decided to ask her to share some of her astro-smarts with us now.
EL: How did you get into astrology?
SS: Actually when I was in 4th grade, I snagged my mom’s copy of Linda Goodman’s “Sun Signs” and started reading. I was amazed at how accurate the descriptions were. I felt understood for the first time in my life! It also applied to understanding my friends and we had a blast with this book, analyzing all of the kids at school. The love affair just grew from there.
EL: How do you use astrology in your life?
SS: The story above is the precursor that shows it really is a psychological map, a mandala to understand the intricacies of the personality and how complex we all are. It helps to bridge the gaps and increase tolerance levels and understanding. In my therapy practice, it’s better than any kind of standardized intake or assessment tool. I also use it to understand cycles in my life and the lives of my client. It’s a timing tool, psychological X-ray, karmic chart, and spiritual guide.
EL: What’s the most important thing to understand about astrology?
SS: All of it is important. I would say that what’s most important is reverence and appreciation for the complexity of astrology… or it gets cheapened.
EL: What’s the next big thing coming up in the forecast now, and how will it effect each sign?
SS: The next big cosmic event is the sixth of seven Uranus-Pluto squares exact on December 15th. This will have the heaviest effect on cardinal signs: Aries, Libra, Cancer and Capricorn due to the placement and Aquarius and Scorpios due to planetary rulership. Especially those with planets in cardinal signs around 12 degrees. Uranus is the descending (masculine) kundalini energy, often associated as the modern ruler of the sign Aquarius. Pluto is the feminine (ascending) kundalini and considered the modern or esoteric ruler of Scorpio. Thus there is a tremendous amount of kundalini energy getting stirred up right now. Can you feel it? Many are reporting feeling extreme exhaustion or totally revved up and unable to breathe, sleep or calm down. Now is an excellent time for yoga, breath work, and meditation. It’s almost mandatory to handle the intensity of this breakthrough/breakdown energy. Look to where Aries and Capricorn fall in your horoscope (or book a reading with a professional astrologer) to see which life arenas are being most impacted by the Uranus-Pluto square. This started back in the summer of 2012 and will end with the 7th on March 17th. As this is the 6th of the seven: we are now working on clearing our 5th (Vishuddha) and sixth (Ajna) chakras: …. Break the silence, clear your vision…see the truth. This is a powerful time to confront issues around our voice, self-worth, communication and anything else preventing the energy from rising from the 5th to the 6th chakra. Perhaps you’re experiencing problems with TMJ or teeth grinding, shame, ear aches, sore throats, headaches, eye problems. It’s time to honor your inner truth….without exception
EL: What do you think of monthly forecasts?
SS: Monthly forecasts are a wonderful way to stay tuned into the more ongoing/current cycles in the cosmos. We have a New and Full Moon every month not to mention a host of other planetary aspects and changes that can alter the “weather” of our lives and psyches on a daily basis. I actually write daily, weekly and monthly forecasts for Elle magazine: UK, Netherlands and Turkey as well as articles for astrology.com in hopes of keeping everyone up on the current planetary influence.
EL: How should we interpret general forecasts as individuals?
SS: As with any “forecasting” leave room for free will and grace. Take what resonates, leave the rest. Read your rising sign and your sun sign but trust that these are more general. It’s best to get a personal reading for the real 411.
EL: What kind of information is revealed in a personal reading about an individual and/or their future?
SS: My readings work with uncovering life themes, relationship patterns, and karmic cycles by interpreting the wisdom of your horoscope in the poetic language of archetypes. The psychic mandala of the horoscope reveals our deepest and most entrenched soul patterns and psychological complexes. What is the Self engineering in this lifetime? What has the soul come to master? What is our purpose in this incarnation? Who are we at the most fundamental level of our being? If we were fully individuated (authentic), who would we be? What would that look like? What is our vast potential in our career, relationships, creative expression? These are just a few questions that the horoscope can answer. One reading is often compared to the insight gained in a year or more of therapy sessions. The horoscope is that powerful of a tool to self understanding. At the end of Jung’s life he said he wished he had studied more astrology as it is an invaluable and illimitable source of information about the Self.
For more info about Sherene, (or to book a reading –> which I highly recommend!) check out her site here.
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Elysha,
I am always open to gaining new knowledge and insights. I wondered about astrology. Your post “resparked” my interest. I will check out Sherene’s site. Thank you!
Wow, this is sooooooo intriguing, Elysha. And you continue to amaze and inspire me with your broad array of cool interests! The information about this being a time to deal with issues around the voice and self-worth, and all the related somatics, resonates deeply. I look forward to checking out Sherene’s site–thank you both! xoxo p.a. On another note, I have been thinking of you a lot today as I was finally able to get back to yoga class–it’s been nearly 2 years. While I have been practicing a bit a home, it felt good to be back in class. I don’t think that it would have happened without all of your inspiring writing about yoga. Thank you, my friend.
GGW, astrology is a lot of fun! And the more you learn about it the more fun it gets. I try not to get too stuck or rigid with what’s happening astrologically, but I definitely pay attention…it’s similar to following the weather — when you hear it will rain, you bring an umbrella with you outside.
ST, I’m so excited you made it back to yoga class! I realize getting to class isn’t as easy as doing it in your living room, but I think a combination of both makes for a hearty and happy practice. Go You! You’re Awesome, my friend! x x x x
i’ve been fascinated by astrology since i was a child! and yes…i am so feeling that uranus-pluto square! happy new year and all the best for 2015 🙂 aleya
Aleya, I love astrology– it’s such a fun and insightful way to learn more about what’s happening in the world. Thanks for stopping by + Happy New Year!!