Empowered Astrology Conference, March 26-29, 2020, Herndon, VA

One of the challenges of being an astrology student in the Washington, DC, metro area is that there aren't many opportunities for astrology conferences here. Let's face it: We live in a high-cost area and conference organizers are trying to keep prices down by holding events in cheaper regions.

The closest recent astrology conference was the National Council for Geocosmic Research (NCGR) 2019 Conference in Baltimore. Even then, it's a long way to drive there each day, and frankly, staying at a hotel at the Inner Harbor isn't cheap. The full conference could be as much as $500, too. 

So what's an astrology student to do?

If you're looking for a local DC conference that won't break the bank at $350, I'd strongly consider attending the Empowered Astrology Seminar, March 26-29, at the Hyatt-Regency Dulles in Herndon, VA. It's a four-day seminar run by astrologer Kathy Rose, a student of well-known astrologer Noel Tyl [TILL]. 

Kathy is an outstanding astrologer in her own right and presents regularly to astrology groups on the east coast and at both regional and national conferences. I met her last year at the SOTA conference and was impressed not only with the material she presented but also her teaching ability; she was by far one of the best presenters I've ever seen in my five years at that conference. You all know how important that is to me!

I attended the Seminar last year and really feel like I benefitted. I met tons of local astrologers and really got a thorough grounding in some of Tyl's techniques, which are simple on the surface but provide amazing results with clients. 

In addition, I felt like this conference was worth my time and money because:

• It's local--Herndon is within 45 minutes of many locations in northern Virginia and the District, and is easily accessible from Maryland.
• It's small--attendance is limited to only 50 people so it's a much more intimate experience than other conferences offered by other astrology organizations, so you get to know your fellow attendees and the presenters.
• Days are packed--While the first day starts just after noon, the other days are all full days. 
• Only one track--everyone attends the same sessions because there is only one session happening at a given time. At larger conferences, multiple tracks make it difficult to choose which individual lectures will be worth your time, or force you to purchase recordings of lectures, which may not always be of excellent quality. 

While meals are on your own dime, the seminar reserves a private room for the conference attendees to eat together. The conference provides menus and you can pick your lunch and/or dinner so it's ready for you at the appropriate time. It's very convenient. While it's not a requirement, I feel like I got a lot more out of the conference this way because I had the chance to network.

Most of you know that I don't shamelessly market anything other than myself, and that I wouldn't support any event that I did not completely believe in.

I'll be there in March and I'd love the opportunity to introduce you to Kathy and the rest of the attendees. Please consider attending and please let me know if you decide to join us. 

I hope see you in March! Tell Kathy that I sent you, too!

3 Things to Release at Halloween/Samhain

Early Halloween greetings to all and blessed Samhain [Sow-en] to all who walk a Wiccan path!

This is a time of year when we celebrate death and rebirth. For many Wiccans, it's considered a new year, like a reset button. 

The sun has moved into Scorpio recently, and its message is simple yet challenging: To move forward, we have to let go of the things that are no longer serving us. That is not always an easy task, but it's an important one so we can continue to grow. 

So here are some areas to look at as you consider releasing things this Halloween season.

1) Relationships

One of the hardest things to contemplate is releasing someone, especially if we're in an emotionally intimate relationship with them. It's so easy to make excuses to keep people in our lives who aren't serving our highest good. There's also the secret desire in some cases for the other person to end things so it's easier. 

Ask yourself these questions:

• Is the relationship balanced? 
• What need does this person fill in my life?
• How do I feel emotionally when I interact with them?
• Are there things I haven't done or cannot do because of this person's influence or presence in my life?

If the answers to these questions aren't satisfactory, you may need to move on from this person. And by the way, when you release this person, do so in a healthy way, without anger or bitterness. 

You also don't have to explain the reasons behind your decision, either; in many cases, people don't move on from others because they don't want a confrontation. So don't have one; you're not asking for permission, right?

2) Stuff

The recent advent of Marie Kondo has re-invigorated the idea of purging, and Halloween is a great time to say goodbye to objects you no longer need. Sell them, give them away, or dispose of them. 

If you're having trouble parting with them, ask someone you trust to help you. Sometimes all it takes is for you to try to explain your reasoning for keeping an object for you to realize how it sounds. A second opinion can help keep you focused. 

The same thing can be said about organizational systems. In other words, that CD tower might have been a great idea in 2005, but now it's just collecting dust someplace. 

3) Negative ideas and self-talk, and unattained goals

We don't even consider sometimes that our thought patterns and ideas hold us back. What we think and believe can keep us from doing the things we should a lot more than we realize. 

Here are some examples of concepts to let go of:

• Any statement that connects to poor self-esteem
• Any goal that is not realistic but bothers us because it won't be achieved
• Any idea that is motivated by fear or self-doubt

One of my favorite expressions is "Whether you think you can or you can't, you're right!" What we allow to rent space in our head does manifest, to our benefit or detriment.

This is a tall order, but it's so important to take time and only continue to carry the relationships, things and ideas that are going to resonate with our highest good. 

I wish you a very blessed season, and hope any pain that you experience through this process is released during it as well. 

Book Review: Using Dignities in Astrology by Charles Obert--Review by Heather Figeroa

Hello everyone! I'd like to introduce you to astrologer Heather Figeroa. She'll be posting on the blog from time to time and this is her first review on my site. I'm so grateful to her for sharing her thoughts on Charles Obert's Using Dignities in Astrology with us! Take it away, Heather!

Correct usage and application of the principles of the dignity system can really take your chart reading to the next level. But it's not always easy to find books with real meat in them about the subject of dignities, with the exception being some of the ancient texts that explain some of it in great detail; the challenge is they can be dense or confusing, and astrologers, especially beginners, may have trouble relating to them. 

To clarify things, Enter Charlie Obert and his book on dignities. One of the big advantages of this book is that Obert designed it for use in a class that he teaches on the subject for Kepler College, so the layout and structure were well organized. Also, by providing cumulative information, he took this book from helpful guidebook to indispensable resource. 

Even seasoned astrologers might sometimes wonder what is the real difference between a planet in exaltation or rulership. Obert handles this brilliantly and gives the reader solid explanations on what it means for each planet to be in each specific dignity. He builds slowly and includes a handy reference sheet as well as checklists to consult when you want to parse the chart using the dignities.

Moving even further into the book, Obert speaks about mutual reception and even shares his techniques on how to apply mixed reception, which was something that really made me excited and opened up a new avenue of how to blend the planets.

This is neither a thick or pedantic read, nor was it created in a way that seeks to be overly verbose in his explanations. If you'll excuse the pun, you won’t find any wild and far out astrology here, for Obert prefers to deal with things very traditionally. He provides many chart examples and elaborates in his creative and perceptive style, bringing his audience along for his examination of rulership, exaltation, detriment, and fall.

One of the nicest things about this book was when Obert really opened up the field with his revelations about all the ways a planet could be accidentally dignified as well, and included some handy checklists to apply to each chart to discover all the hidden accidental dignities as well. 

Another aspect that Obert tackles is the conversation of sect--a classical astrology term that deals with day and night charts--and how all of these aspects interplay together to form a cohesive whole. It’s not a stretch to say that with the use of this book and its rules and checklists, it would be entirely possible to delineate the chart based on Charlie’s techniques here alone to create a totally new kind of reading. I have done this, so I know it is possible, and the results? Eye-opening and satisfying. 

It is often hard to find one reference book that doesn’t also seem to veer off the topic to include things that may not be within the scope of the study. There is none of that here; Obert has included only the very best nuggets of wisdom into this practical and instructive manual.

An author at the top of his craft, Obert is the consummate teacher and his fluid skills in handling all the contours of subject of dignities make this a book that you need to read. Obert has a down-to earth, personable and conversational style, so grab a comfy seat and give this one some attention. You will be glad you did!

Status Updates with the Sun and Moon

John: Good afternoon, Lady Moon!

Moon: Hello, John! Great to see you. I was wondering when you were going to turn up!

John: You should know I can’t stay away from you for long, young lady.

Moon: [beams] You are still a charmer! I sometimes wonder if you think about me at all with that Saturn-ruled Moon of yours.

John: Are you kidding me? I think about you all the time, Lady Moon. I just don’t let everyone else know that I do. But you know I do, and isn’t that what counts?

Moon: [sigh] I guess. Let’s head in because I’m trying to keep Sol on schedule today.

[Moon opens door into the Sun’s office]

Sun: John! Great to see you! [comes around desk and hugs John]

John: Hi there, boss! Happy to see me, huh?

Sun: Certainly. Always! I expected you months ago, but I know things are nuts in your little world. There’s a reason why Mercury and Jupiter are always watching your social media accounts!

John: Fair point, sir.

Sun: And I hear congratulations are in order! 30 years of astrology and tarot study. That’s impressive.

John: [nods his head] Thank you, sir. I’m humbled and honored.

Sun: Luna, would you close the door, please? And then come over and take your seat next to me.

[Moon closes the door behind them and sits near the Sun’s desk. The Sun returns behind his desk and sits down. John picks up cold diet root beer in front of his usual chair.]

John: So, how is everything going?

Moon: Well, I’d ask you the same question, young man. I’ve been a little worried about you!

John: Oh? Why is that?

Sun: We know that you don’t have a space in that lovely little town by the river anymore. Luna was telling me you did business there for what? 14 years?

[Luna nods]

John: Yes, sir. My professional practice started there.

Moon: And how are you feeling without space to read there anymore?

John: It was time for that part of my life to end, Lady Moon.

Sun: You sound more like Saturn all the time!

Moon: Sol, will you let the young man finish?

Sun: Sorry, Luna. [Pauses] Go ahead.

Moon: I’m sorry that you had to leave a place that was very comfortable for you. That must have been hard.

John: Yes, ma’am. In some ways it was, and it some ways it wasn’t.

Moon: You’re being evasive, John. You should know you can’t hide from me.

John: [blushes] Of course not, ma’am. But I meant what I said. I had a strong feeling the end was coming quite a while back, so it wasn’t truly a surprise. And I’m so busy already! It’s not like I needed more to do. I’m truly at peace with it.

Moon: [smiles] I’m glad to hear that.

Sun: Me too! Besides, you're reading at a great place closer to home anyway. 

John: So I know things never stop up here, but since I don’t come around as often as I would like…

Moon: Fishing expedition?

Sun: Luna, give the boy a chance to explain himself.

Moon: [slightly defensively] You already get all our meeting transcripts, John. I make sure of that.

John: No offense intended, Lady Moon. That’s not really what I meant. The planets haven’t met in a while so I feel sort of out of touch.

Sun: Yes, that’s true. We’re going to have to have another full meeting once Saturn comes back, Luna.

Luna: We’re on tap for after my full phase on September 14, Sol.

Sun: And we have some other things on the docket, too. [starts looking around his desk]

Luna: Yellow folder, Sol, on your left.

Sun: [pulls yellow file folder out from a letter tray] Ah yes. Here we are. [scans it briefly]. Yes, that meeting is coming up, actual date to be determined. I also have it on record that the benefics and malefics will have various meetings as well. Luna is on tap to record at least the benefics meeting; Jupiter has already requested help. I don’t know if Saturn is allowing Luna to attend the malefic meetings.

John: Are there any outstanding taskers for me?

Sun: Aren’t there always?

Luna: The first one is that I need to see pictures of your little Mia!

Sun: After we’re done, Luna, John can show you his extensive album of cat pictures. But yes, the planets have made various requests. Mercury is wondering about updated pricing information for you. Venus asked about your next vacation. Mars knows you’re…ummmm…doing well in the gym. I’ll say it that way, since I can't quite imitate his unique...speaking style. 

Luna: And Jen’s birthday is coming up! What are you doing for her? Something special, I expect?

Sun: Luna, can I please get the business out of the way before you start going off on emotional tangents?

Luna: [frowns] These are important things to ME, Sol. She is John’s Luna, so we need to show an interest.

Sun: As usual, Luna, you’re right. The other requests are standard: Uranus wants you to use your Instagram account, Jupiter asked about how your teaching is going, and Saturn is still waiting for a blog schedule.

John: Sounds like the usual stuff, boss. I promise to take care of the information requests when I can.

Sun: [smiles] Thanks! I appreciate it. Managing these planets is hard enough so the more you can keep them off my back…et cetera, et cetera.

John: I promise, sir.

Moon: Now, can we please see some cat pictures?

Sun: [throws up hands] Fuck it. John, take out your phone and show us the pictures or I won’t get a thing done today.

Moon: Those cats are adorable!

Plutonian Essay: Why Change is Good, You Whiny Bitches!

Dear Whiny Bitches,

I don’t get the spotlight very much, and I think you humans like it that way. You don’t seem to like what I have to say, except maybe when it involves sex, but even then, you people act as if you’re afraid of me. I mean, that old bastard Saturn gets more joy on this blog than I do, and he’s more boring than nuclear waste. Why don’t you want to hear from me?

You know what lawyers say? Those crafty Mercurial fucks would tell you that you should never ask a question you don’t know the answer to. And I just did that. I know why you don’t want to hear from me. It’s because when I show up at your doorstep you may have to…shift. I’ll say that because you sheep hear the “C” word—and that’s “change” for all of you with your minds in the gutter!—and you just freak out.

Spoiler alert: Everything is temporary. Should I say it again? Everything is temporary, starting with your little life force and your miniscule amount of “influence” you think you have over the things around you.

Helen Keller might have been blind, but I respected that bitch because she called it like she saw it. My favorite quote of hers is “Security is an illusion.” And it totally is. Nothing is secure. And nothing lasts forever.

Now before you all go crying in your pumpkin spice whatevers and your White Claws about me, I’m not here to gloom and doom you. I’m being a realist.

If you embraced change and didn’t get so caught up in the moment you would realize that I’m taking things out of your life for a REASON. I didn’t say it wouldn’t hurt, and I didn’t say it wouldn’t require a sincere attitude adjustment, either. Those things could happen, and in your life, here’s a trigger warning: They. Will. Happen. Perhaps frequently. Definitely more often than you want.

Relationships evolve, sometimes out of existence. People get fired or leave jobs. And yes, those we love will die. But if life didn’t suck sometimes then you wouldn’t really get to enjoy the truly amazing parts.

I really am trying to help you out. I get carried away sometimes and use a little more nuclear than you’d care for, but I only nuke what you truly don’t need. And it’s up to me to tell you what you no longer need. Could I be nicer about it? Maybe. But it wouldn’t have the same impact, and while other astrological fucking planets with little dicks and even smaller brains would hurl insults about MY size, they don’t have the influence—the raw power—that I do.

So do us both a favor. Next time your favorite server gets a new job, or your favorite bar closes, or you have to put up with abuse from someone else, make sure my efforts weren’t in vain. Hang in there and deal with the change, and then make the best of it. Yes, you’ll have to do without your eye candy at the office when he makes a beeline for the company with free yoga classes, but in the whole scheme of things, it’s not a big deal.

Human beings are amazing and can pretty much get accustomed to anything. So get accustomed to change and then maybe you’ll be a little more friendly and welcoming when I show up. I know I’d appreciate being valued a lot more than I am right now.

Pluto