Aquarius Papers - Global Astrology

The Solar Return

by Robert Wilkinson

The Solar Return is one of the more important charts we can have done. It is a chart done for the exact time each year that the Sun returns to its natal position at the exact degree and minute of longitude as it was at our birth. It provides a snapshot of what the year to come looks like, and stands on its own as a powerful indicator of what we can expect in the year that follows. It is the original reason the birthday was deemed so important, and why we celebrate our birthday every year. It represents the renewal of our light.

Self-Undoing Behaviors and the 12th House - Navigating Endings

by Robert Wilkinson

A reader asked me to given some examples of what I mean when I speak of "self-undoing behaviors." To me, these are associated with the 12th house, and there are two forms of self-undoing behaviors; the positive, and the negative. This will be welcome news for anyone having a hard time with the changes.

Saturn in Leo and the Aries Eclipse - What Does It Mean For You?

by Robert Wilkinson

The March 2006 Solar Eclipse in Aries is favorable in many ways due to the overwhelming number of favorable aspects, those that are harmonious and stabilizing as well as those that make for a very unique time ahead of us. Saturn in early Leo on its stationary direct point at 5 Leo is very empowering to the Solar Eclipse at 9 Aries, and opens adventures wherever early Sagittarius falls in our chart. This extremely strong trine will make it easy to embrace the new that is coming for us all very quickly, and promises a major concentration of power directed toward a more vibrant future.

Astrology Stress Zones for April 2006 - Mars stimulating Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces

by Robert Wilkinson

Mars triggers whatever happens of note in our charts. In April 2006, Mars finally hits its stride, moving quickly from Gemini into Cancer. We've now all been shown how to create “happiness in dark hours,” this theme continuing throughout 2006. We are now much stronger and more capable of dealing with life's intensity and demands as a result of the retrograde in late 2005, and are moving into major decisions and shifts of direction. Read on to find out how you may be affected.

Astrology Hot Zones in April 2006 for All Signs

by Robert Wilkinson

Though we still bask in the light of multiple trines and other very productive factors for a couple of weeks, April is volatile at several critical points. These are "generic storms" that affect everyone, and as you have read before, sometimes the best we can do when a storm is blowing through is not mess things up worse than they already are. When everyone else is losing their cool, if we keep our heads and focus, then after the storm we usually look good and see more clearly what is and could be than those who wasted the time is useless wheel-spinning. Some of the storms are familiar to us, while others are not, but they will affect us all in fairly large ways.

Eternal Consciousness, Humanity, Life and Death, Light and Miracles

This was inspired by a reader who asked about some important issues in several areas of human existence. Hopefully this will help many of you understand what I have learned about the Eternal Light-Life we all live within. In The Magic of Space the author states repeatedly that all is “composed” of the substance of Universal Mind, also called Eternal Consciousness. That is the source of the Ten Thousand Things, in the classic sense. It is well established and accepted in the Wisdom Tradition that Nothingness morphs into Limitlessness while not losing its essential nature, and the resulting emanation (the Synthetic principle in all creation, cosmic and human) results in Limitless Light. All is Limitless Light, you and me included.

The Afterlife - What Happens After We Leave The Body

by Robert Wilkinson

From everyone's favorite, The Magic of Space, some profound thoughts about our "spiritual" bodies, life in the higher realms, and why there's nothing to fear after we die. From Chapter 8, "The Reality and Illusion of Death," some comforting words.

This is A Remarkable Time - Venus trine Mars, Mercury trine Jupiter, and Sun trine Saturn

by Robert Wilkinson

There are very few times when all the planets ruling signs that oppose each other are in perfect harmony. A trine (120 degrees) is said to show a harmonized stable understanding between points. For the next few days, we have three trines going on. We have Venus trine Mars, Mercury trine Jupiter, and Sun trine Saturn. This is very rare, and very beneficial for doing a whole lot of things and adjusting our lives to make them work more harmoniously. Read on to find out more about this remarkable moment in time.

The Aries Solar Eclipse of March 2006 - What Does It Mean for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces

by Robert Wilkinson

This Solar Eclipse of March 29, 2006, will have major impact on all signs. Ordinarily an eclipse shows us what will be "shut down," opening other lights and activities in our lives. This one will be even more important in its influence, due to Pluto going stationary retrograde that day. When any outer planet goes stationary retrograde or direct, major global events follow. This Eclipse ushers in long term, far reaching transformative influences, purifying us of outmoded life material while bringing forth more potent spiritual potential. All will be dramatically transformed from this eclipse, completely serving the greater good in each of us and the world at large.

Meditation practice and the many ways to learn to meditate

by Robert Wilkinson

Today's article was inspired by a client who asked me about meditation. In some ways, to put it simply, prayer is when we talk to God, while meditation is when we listen. And of course there are many ways to listen, and many ways we are focused or unfocused in our habits of listening. There are many valid ways to meditate, and I have found that some techniques work better than others at different times in life, due to all kinds of individual differences.

It's the Vernal Equinox 2006!

by Robert Wilkinson

Also known as the Spring Equinox, where the days and nights are of equal length. For three months the days will get longer, the Solar force gets stronger, and we should start feeling better, especially those with SAD, or seasonal affective disorder, a product of not enough sunshine getting to the endocrine system. The Equinox begins at 10:26 am PST. This is the time to launch projects, take a new look at the coming season of productivity, and figure out which what projects you want to tend. It is said that a chart done for the Equinox shows the season to come, and this one has some interesting aspects.

What Is Astrology?

by Robert Wilkinson

This is from one of my talks when I was asked just what astrology is. While I could not possibly explore the full implications of that question, this is a part of what I had to say. (I originally had an audio link of me giving the talk, but it was on a server I no longer have access to, and I haven't figured out whether I want to use a ton of bandwidth to offer it again.) Anyway, here's a piece of "What is Astrology?"

For Personal Appointments

If you've wondered about a personal consultation with me for a reading, here's how you do it.

My Current Schedule of Talks

by Robert Wilkinson

For those who may want to attend one or more of my talks, here's a partial list at this time.

Heart Power, Imagination, and Contacting the Higher Realms

by Robert Wilkinson

Here's another gem from the remarkable The Magic of Space, one of the more fascinating books I've ever found. For your perusal and consideration, some thoughts on how to expand our consciousness and strengthen our connection to our heart's knowledge, the vehicle that helps us know the real from the unreal. From Chapter 7, The Self - Its Relation to Space and Matter.

Pisces - Intuitive Universalist Water Spirits

by Robert Wilkinson

March accents the water sign Pisces, where we take a long look back and harvest, materially and psychologically, the fruits of our last year’s labor. We now can deeply feel the wider view of a greater good for all and a more ideal way to live, individually and collectively. It is the sector of our reality where we are required to find the light and power of a broader, more impersonal motive and a deeper compassion for our common humanity. It’s the end of Winter and the beginning of Spring, which kicks off at the Vernal Equinox on March 20, 2006, at 10:26 am PST. The light force is growing and the days are getting longer for the next 3 months. Over the next few weeks many old forms are dying, so take one last look back before you enter into another reality. New vision, new truths, new adventures, and new horizons beckon, so get ready to cut loose and enjoy the ride!

The Coming March 29 2006 Solar Eclipse in Aries

by Robert Wilkinson

This offering is inspired by a fan of the site who asked me for some insights into how the coming Solar Eclipse at 9 Aries would impact them by falling in their 12th house. As they wrote, "I read somewhere that this coming Solar Eclipse on March 29th will be 9 degrees Aries so that whatever house 9 degrees Aries appears in your chart will be an area that would be good to start something. I have Aries 9 degrees in my 12th house. That’s kind of an odd house to go forward with things? Do you have any ideas about what this would mean?" While this article can't address the eclipse effect for all the houses, this may give a sense of possible approaches through showing those with Aries or Taurus Sun or rising (Ascendant) a heads up on what it means, since for many of you it will fall in your 12th sector. I'll post in the near future what other signs can expect based in what house it falls in. Until then, if you're interested in the most misunderstood house of all, the 12th, as well as the generally misunderstood sign of Aries, read on.

A brief look at house cusps and how they affect planetary functioning

by Robert Wilkinson

In astrology, there is much confusion about what a planet on the cusp of a house means. A cusp is the edge of a house where it touches another house. The houses are the areas of our experience in the outer world, whereas the planets symbolize our inner functions, or "lights," of personality, from the innermost sensitivities and feelings (the Moon) to the outermost transpersonal transformative forces beyond our control (Pluto). Today we will explore an innovative way to viewing how to interpret a planet if it falls on the cusp of a house.

Earthquake Prediction for Los Angeles

Yes, you read the title right. A "well-known psychic" predicted yesterday there would be an earthquake of large magnitude here in Southern California today. While I usually take such things with a grain of proverbial salt, I consulted one of my favorite Tarot readers to see what the cards would tell her of such things. Astrologically I didn't see it occurring today, but I like to cross-check my sources. As you can surmise, no such thing was indicated. Just thought my readers might want to know, as a huge earthquake would prevent me from posting. And we wouldn't want that. If you're interested in the specific cards in the reading, I can post them in the comment stream. Let me know.

The Lunar Eclipse in March 2006 affecting Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces

by Robert Wilkinson

Tomorrow's Lunar Eclipse falls at 25 Virgo-Pisces, promises deep catharses for many of us, and offers a greater recognition for many as a result of what they have learned and done for their community, however large or small it may be. It certainly marks the end of an era for individuals and nations. This Lunar eclipse portends much domestic upheaval, with a potential to affect the financial markets fairly radically, due to Iran beginning to trade solely in "petroeuros" beginning March 20. Of course the Mercury retrograde in Pisces squaring Mars through April 20 indicates it may not turn out as anyone expects, or may get delayed for reasons that are presently secret or duplicitous and potentially violent.

Astrology For The Millions - A book review

by Robert Wilkinson

In the world of astrology Grant Lewi is a legend. A professor of English at Dartmouth College and others, Grant Lewi left the world of academia to become one of the truly beloved astrologers of all time. He was a professional writer who began his astrological career in 1934. He edited Horoscope Magazine and later founded his own, called The Astrologer. Part of his legend is that he even accuratedly predicted the time of his own death in 1951, a story related in this astrological masterpiece, Astrology For The Millions.

The Gemini Pioneer of Free Will Astrology, Grant Lewi

By Robert Wilkinson

One of the greatest astrologers of all time, Grant Lewi, was a Gemini. Author of “Heaven Knows What,” “Astrology for the Millions,” and many other works, he pioneered an entirely new approach to analyzing birth charts, signs, planets, and transits. A Professor at Dartmouth, he left academia to pursue a brilliant (if too short) career as an author, publisher, and one of the greatest lights of 20th Century astrology. He died a legend, having predicted his exact time of death before it happened as a result of a cerebral hemorrhage.

Mercury Retrograde Chaos in March 2006

by Robert Wilkinson

The title says it all. So far, this retrograde period seems more difficult than others in the not-so-distant past, due to a pyramiding of demands that are unreasonable, or delusions and lies being busted with the accompanying gear grinding that goes along with that, or some degree of confusion as to which way to go, and it's all fairly extreme. This isn't just in my life, but in the lives of many I know. I believe there are several factors contributing to this extreme amount of strangeness, and there are some ways to move through this minefield without losing a leg (or a friend, or other metaphors and/or realities you choose.)

Astrology Stress Zones for March 2006 - Mars stimulating Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces

by Robert Wilkinson

Mars triggers whatever happens of note in our charts. In March 2006, Mars continues to pick up speed after its October through December 2005 retrograde that bogged many things down and left a lot of us feeling like we had expended way too much energy accomplishing way too little. As a result of its stationary direct point at 9 Taurus we've had to find ways of creating “happiness in dark hours,” and this theme will continue throughout this year. The blessing of Mars retrograde is those who rose to its challenge are much stronger, and more capable of dealing with the intensity and demands of the present time. Still, Mars is now challenging an entirely different group of signs. Read on to find out how you may be affected.

Astrology, Buddhism, and ways to end suffering

by Robert Wilkinson

Yesterday’s article offered an introduction to the way "free will" and "fate" intersect in astrology, and how some of our mental human hardwiring may set us up for various ways that we suffer in our lives. To recap, the four problems involve forms of, and interrelationships between, attachment, aversion, delusion (or illusion) based in misunderstanding karma, or how things came to appear the way they do, and the human tendency to get stuck in suffering over suffering itself. Here's another link to the best essay on Karma I've ever read. When you're done here, by all means check it out.

Astrology, Buddhism, and the sources of human suffering

by Robert Wilkinson

Astrology teaches that everything is determined by "free will" except for two things: 1) To be born where you were, when you were, into a certain family, and 2) The timing on when certain choices will be offered. Everything else seems to be dependent on someone’s "free will," whether ours, our parents, our bosses, and so forth. Still, astrology does not tell us how we will choose, or in any way negate our responsibility to act as best we are able, Mercury retrograde notwithstanding. That being the case, let's examine some of our mental hardwiring to get a sense of what tools we’re working with, or not.

Practical Astrology in March 2006 - What is Mercury Retrograde Good For?

by Robert Wilkinson

I was asked by a fan of the site to post something about what Mercury retrograde is good for. We all know we're NOT supposed to sign contracts, make purchases of electronics, make major moves or decisions, and are supposed to hang out with the energies, seeing that things may not be as they appear, and so on. That said, there are many things that a Mercury retrograde period is good for, such as traveling. I have found that as long as one is flexible, retrograde travel is actually a good thing. So is research, reflection, review, rehearsals, and returns from the past. It's also a great time for reconnecting with old friends, finding people and things thought lost, It's a great time to explore possibilities, as long as no definitive decisions are made, since they are usually modified or reversed later on.