Synastry and love in Chinese astrology, Part I

In the Chinese system called Batzu, astrological compatibility is shown by the signs of your year and day of birth against the signs of the year and day of the birth of your partner. In the Nine Star system compatibility is shown by comparing your year, month and tendency stars to those of your partner. This article discusses compatibility through the Batzu system. Following articles will discuss the individual signs in Batzu, and the Nine Star system.

There are twelve signs in Batzu. They are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. In judging compatibility we compare year to year signs, and day to day signs. There are other factors to consider, but these are the basics.

Rat is a yang Water sign. The easiest signs for Rat are Dragon and Monkey. Rat also gets along with Pig, Rooster, Ox, and Tiger. Rat's Flower of Romance is Rooster. The signs most challenging for Rat are Sheep, Horse, and Rabbit. Sheep and Rat have a complicated relationship that may or may not work well depending on the dependability of Rat and the tolerance of Sheep, Rat being the Star of Romance for Sheep.

Ox is a yin Earth sign. The easiest signs for Ox are Snake and Rooster. Ox also gets along with Rat, Dragon, and Snake. The Star of Romance for  Ox is Horse but these can have discord because Horse moves too fast for Ox, and Ox can be stubborn. The signs most challenging for Ox are Sheep and Dog.

Tiger is a yang Wood sign. The easiest signs for Tiger are Horse and Dog. Tiger also gets along with Pig, Rabbit, and Rat. The Star of Romance for Tiger is Rabbit (yum). The signs most challenging for Tiger are Snake, Monkey, Rooster, Dragon, and Sheep.

Rabbit is a yin Wood sign. The easiest signs for Rabbit are Sheep and Pig. Rabbit also gets along with Dog, Tiger, and Snake. The Star of Romance for Rabbit is Rat, but these clash so the relationship between them tends to become complicated with the tricky Rabbit side stepping the aggressive Rat. The signs most challenging for Rabbit are Rooster, Dragon, and Rat.

Dragon is a yang Earth sign. The easiest signs for Dragon are Rat and Monkey. Dragon also gets along with Rooster, Sheep, Snake, and Horse. Dragon's Star of Romance is Rooster. The signs most challenging for Dragon are Dragon, Rabbit, and Dog.

Snake is a yin Fire sign. The easiest signs for Snake are Ox and Rooster. Snake also is attracted to Monkey, although this is a complicated relationship in which both can harm one another if they don't understand one another. Snake also gets along with Horse, Sheep, Dragon, and Dog. Snake's Star of Romance is Horse. The signs most challenging for Snake are Tiger, and Monkey.

Horse is a yang Fire sign. The easiest signs for Horse are Tiger and Dog. Horse also gets along with Sheep, Snake, Rabbit, and Dragon. The Star of Romance for Horse is Rabbit. The signs most challenging for Horse are Horse, Ox, and Rat.

Sheep is a yin Earth sign. The easiest signs for Sheep are Rabbit and Pig. Sheep also gets along with Horse, Dragon, Snake, Monkey, and Rooster. The Star of Romance for Sheep is Rat. But, Sheep and Rat can clash. Sheep and Rat are both adventurous, but they can harm one another if Rat arouses mistrust in the Sheep. The signs most challenging for Sheep are Rat, Ox, and Dog.

Monkey is a yang Metal sign. The easiest signs for Monkey are Rat and Dragon. Monkey also gets along with Snake, but unless these two understand one another they can cause one another trouble. Other signs Monkey gets along with are Sheep, Ox, Dog, and Rooster. The Star of Romance for Monkey is Rooster. The signs most challenging for Monkey are Pig, and Tiger.

Rooster is a yin Metal sign. The easiest signs for Rooster are Snake and Ox. Rooster also gets along with Dragon, Monkey, Sheep, Rat, and Pig. The Star of Romance for Rooster is Horse. The signs most challenging for Rooster are Rooster, Dog, and Rabbit.

Dog is a yang Earth sign. The easiest signs for Dog are Horse and Tiger. Dog also gets along with Rabbit, Snake, and Monkey. The Star of Romance for Dog is Rabbit. The signs most challenging for Dog are Rooster, Dragon, Ox, and Sheep.

Pig is a yin Water sign. The easiest signs for Pig are Sheep and Rabbit. Pig also gets along with Tiger, Rat, and Rooster. The Star of Romance for Pig is Rat. The signs most challenging for Pig are Pig, Monkey, and Snake.

Challenges can bring out great opportunities for self-development; relationships between incompatible people are not entirely useless. On the other hand, we must note that even if there is compatibility between two people their internal personal issues may make the relationship a challenge. There is no easy answer to this.

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The 10/19 Lunar eclipse in astrology

The lunar eclipse was at 00:51 AM GMD on October 19 at 25:52 Aries. It was visible in Brazil, all of Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and much of Russia.

A lunar eclipse in the third decanate of Aries is said to cause abortive births and to pose dangers to women. Lands ruled entirely or in part by Aries, in which the eclipse was visible and will register more strongly, include Denmark, England, Wales, France, Germany, Iceland, Israel, Lebanon, Palestine, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Syria. The force of a lunar eclipse lasts three months on average.

The eclipsed Moon is in the second lunar mansion, called Albothaim. It gives courage, but also recklessness caused by lack of reflection, and can destabilize financial dealings.

For those of you whose birthday falls on this day it signals a turning point in your life. If the eclipse is visible where you are it is all the more powerful, and says that the next three months are going to be most eventful and challenging.

The most important planetary aspects at the eclipse include Mars exactly opposite Neptune, and Uranus exactly square Pluto. Mars and Neptune are at 2 degrees Virgo and Pisces, respectively. Uranus and Pluto are at 9 degrees Aries and Capricorn respectively. These two planetary configurations, because they occur at the time of the eclipse, will play out violently in the world from the time of the eclipse to the end of this year. Mars opposite Neptune is explosive.

The eclipse in the UK occurs at the zenith. There will be loud public outcry against the Government. Mars and Neptune are conjunct the 2nd and 8th house cusps respectively showing the financial crisis becoming explosive. Uranus and Pluto are in the 9th and 5th houses respectively showing trouble in international trade and diplomatic relations.

The eclipse in Bruxelles, therefore for the entire Euro zone occurs in the 9th house showing trouble in international trade relations. Mars and Neptune are in the 1st and 7th houses, respectively showing treachery and double dealing in international relations, and a violently angry spirit among the people; there will be rioting. Uranus and Pluto are in the 9th and 5th houses, respectively showing trouble in international trade and diplomatic relations.

The eclipse in the US is in the 12th house showing a crisis in services. Mars and Neptune are in the 4th and 10th houses, respectively showing treacherous dealings and violent fighting between the incumbency and the opposition in the Government. Uranus and Pluto are in the 11th and 8th houses, respectively showing violent disputes in the Congress having to do with the national debt.
Mars in the 4th house opposite Neptune in the 10th house shows that the people are being lied to, and are becoming very angry with the Government. The Ascendant in DC at the eclipse is conjunct the Pleiades, also known as the Weeping Sisters. As shown by this eclipse, the national outlook is seriously troubled.

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Fall equinox in astrology

Fall equinox arrived on September 22 at 9:45 PM GMD. It marks the mid-point of the astrological year.

The most outstanding aspect in the chart for the equinox is Saturn applying to exact conjunction with the north lunar node, Saturn at 9 degrees 9 minutes Scorpio and the north lunar node at 9 degrees 34 minutes Scorpio. This conjunction marks fatal events coming to the world. Searching the charts for the different places where this aspect is in an angle (the 1st, 4th, 7th, or 10 house), it shows up in the 4th house in Pakistan. A huge earthquake happened there almost immediately after the equinox. Affecting the entire fall season, we may expect other violent events to happen because of this aspect. Areas in the world that resonate to Scorpio, the sign in which we find Saturn and the north lunar node, include Syria, Brazil, Norway, Catalonia, the Congo, Kenya, Turkey, Crete, Egypt, Greece, Iraq, western Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands, California, and such cities as Jerusalem, Baghdad, Washington D.C, Boston, New Orleans, Baltimore, Los Angeles, and so on.

In the chart made for the US, we find the conjunction of Saturn and the north lunar node in the 9th house. The 9th house points, in addition to the areas in the US listed above, to the Appalachian region, including southwestern New York state; most of western Pennsylvania; West Virginia; the southern half of Ohio; Kentucky; the eastern side of Tennessee; the northwest part of Georgia; and the northeast part of Alabama, including the city of Birmingham. Scorpio has correspondence to chemicals and ground water, as well as to atomic power. There is a lot of fracking in the Appalachian region. The Saturn conjunction with the north lunar node may also point to earthquakes. The Appalachian region and the far west are possible.

In addition to the Saturn conjunction with the north lunar node the chart has a T-square of the Moon in Taurus opposite Venus in Scorpio, and Venus and the Moon square Mars in Leo. In the chart for the US Mars is in the 7th house pointing to international disputes, bad foreign relations, and danger of war. Saturn in conjunction with the north lunar node in the 9th house points to serious difficulties in international trade relations.

We also find in this chart the Sun in Libra in a T-Square with Pluto in Capricorn and Uranus in Aries. In the chart for the US this T-square occurs with the Sun in the 8th house, Pluto in the 11th house, and Uranus in the 2nd house. It affects great difficulties in financial affairs and brings confusions to the activities of Congress influenced by underworld, or shady figures.

The charts made for the EU and the UK show the Saturn conjunction with the north lunar node in the 6th house, with Venus in the 6th house opposite the Moon in the 12th and Mars in the 4th, adversely affecting public services and arousing resentment amongst the people. The Sun is in the 5th house opposite Uranus in the 11th, and square Pluto in the 8th causing difficulties in diplomatic relations, especially over finances, while Jupiter in the 2nd house shows the bankers getting richer.

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The Virgo new moon

The new moon occurred at 7:37 AM EDT in DC. Sun and Moon were in the 12th house sextile Jupiter in the 10th house. This shows possible benefits coming to and from public institutions this month. But Jupiter being opposite Pluto and square Uranus limits the benefits.

Mars is in the 11th house square Saturn in the 2nd house. There is serious fighting in Congress (11th house) having to do with the nation's future (2nd house) and with financial problems the country is facing.

Pluto is retrograde  in the 4th house square Uranus retrograde in the 7th. The country reacts against the idea of war. Uranus afflicted in the 7th house is bad for foreign affairs. It depresses foreign trade, damages foreign relations, and it threatens war. Because Uranus is retrograde, war at this time is not altogether likely. Retrograde denotes backing down.

Jupiter in the 10th house is afflicted. It doesn't show war, but it does show financial difficulties and damage to the national honor.

Venus is conjunct the star Spica in the 2nd house. This says that as bad as the economic picture looks there is reason for hope in the future.

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Fall time in Chinese astrology

Chinese fall season began on August 7, with the new moon. The Chinese seasons run as follows. Spring  starts on February 4, Summer starts on May 5, Fall starts on August 7, and winter starts on November 7. The Chinese seasons start mid-point the western seasons, and the western seasons start mid-point the Chinese seasons. So, for example, the fall equinox comes exactly mid-point the Chinese fall season.

Metal is the element of fall. Metal is contractive in energy. It sets boundaries and is reflective. It is the cutting edge. It is the time of harvest and slaughter. Metal is weapons. It is also mirrors and cosmetics. So Metal also represents high fashion and fine arts as well as wines and delicacies.

The signs for the year, month, day and hour at the beginning of this fall are Water Snake, Metal Monkey, Wood Snake, and Earth Tiger, respectively. Because these signs yield 14 yangs and 2 yins this fall is dynamic. It favors taking initiative and acting creatively.

The element count of the chart has 5 Metals, 4 Waters, 2 Woods, 3 Fires, and 5 Earths. The general force is contractive, so it is best to focus on specific aims and not veer off course through this season.

The vital element shown in this chart is Water. It favors home, education, and research.

The chart has one knife blade. It is in a position that warns of accidents, possible disasters, and danger to children especially later in the season.

The weather may become unusually cold, and there are indications of either much rain or snow periodically through the season.

To modify the worse predictions, the chart has three Tien Yi stars. Tien Yi is a deity whom all demons fear. She is the luckiest of all stars and resolves most predicaments.

The chart also has the Proper Authority deity. This favors people working in civil service, government, administration, management, and legal and legislative fields.

The chart also has Robbing Star. This warns of increasing crime through the fall.

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Chinese astrological portrait of Prince George

The baby Prince George was born in the year of Water Snake, the month of Earth Sheep, the day of Earth Ox, and the hour of Water Monkey. This makes him extremely sensitive and down to earth. His birth star, 5 Earth, makes him practical, hard working and conscious of his ancestry. He likes to be in control, and he is willful and determined.
Outstanding features of his birth chart include a knife blade. The knife blade shows Prince George to be unbending, and inclined to be independent, even obstinate. He resents advice or the opinions of others, may be a risk taker and thrill seeker, and can squander the family wealth. The period in his life when knife blade comes out most strongly is between age 15 and 25 in which time he may become intolerant of those under him, yet most productive if he takes up a creative interest. He also appears to be precocious.
Prince George's chart has what is called Amiable Deity. This makes him friendly to others, but independent and disinclined to work with others.
Another interesting feature of his birth chart is that it shows that he doesn't get the support of his parents that he wants, and that his relationships with his siblings or close relatives will tend to be distant.
The element count in the chart shows 3 Fire, 6 Earth, 3 Metal, 4 Water, and 1 Wood. Wood is weakest and Earth is strongest. Earth is extremely strong and shows an eventual tendency to digestive problems and to worrying. Because of the weakness of Wood, Prince George's vital element is Water. For him it presages a love that will become vital to his sense of well-being. Water vital means that the healthiest orientation for the prince is for him to sleep with his head to the north, and for him to wear dark blue. Water also runs into Prince George's mid 80s measuring the probable length of his years.
The prince's chart has no yang Wood. This means that while he thinks a lot, and is very capable of worrying a lot, he has trouble making up his mind.
The chart has two Tien Yi, or stars of Sky Medicine. Tien Yi is the luckiest of stars. She is a deity whom all demons fear. She resolves most predicaments and will give the prince assistance and favor wherever he goes.
The chart also has a Taiji Nobleman Star. The prince glows with vitality and is capable of vigorously carrying things through. He is wealthy and genuinely noble of character, and will probably cultivate an interest in divination, astrology, and religion.

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The summer of 2013 in astrology

Summer solstice came on June 21 at 6:05 AM GMD. The Moon was at 27 degrees Scorpio, essentially void of course, but forming a wide square to Neptune at 5 degrees Pisces, and quincunx the Sun at 00 degrees Cancer saying that the summer quarter brings more confusion to the world's affairs that require adjustment.

The majority of planets at the solstice are in cardinal water, and we find a grand trine in water between the Sun, Saturn, and Neptune giving the world a feeling of tremendous emotional expansiveness. It also brings lots of water, as in flooding and rain. Cardinal water shows much popular activity, such as uprisings and protests which are to be expected across the world through the summer, and especially toward the later part of the season.

The solstice came two days before the full moon on June 23, showing the emotional current at the solstice running high. And, because it is the solstice about which we are talking whose affects last through the entire summer quarter, this emotional current will run high through the entire summer up into the Fall equinox in September. Flooding will also occur in storms that are bound to come toward that time. On the personal level the great activity of water this summer will make relationships a lot more active. Those that are false will be dissolved, and those that are true will become deeper and more pleasurable.

There are three new moons in the summer quarter, the first on July 8, the second on August 6, and the third on September 5. The new moons of August 6 and September 5 interact with the summer solstice chart significantly. The new moon of August 6 occurs exactly square the summer solstice north lunar node at 14 degrees Scorpio. This shows that in August economic challenges will increase in the world. The new moon of September 5 occurs square the summer solstice Mars; and Jupiter at that time will be exactly trine the summer solstice north node, showing increasing economic tension and popular outrage across the world.

Significant transits this summer include Jupiter entering Cancer, the sign of his exaltation, on June 26, allowing for even greater expansion of the emotional current in the world. Jupiter in Cancer can bring tremendous good fortune for those in tune with his vibrations, especially those who have natal Jupiter in a water sign (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces). When Jupiter is in opposition with Pluto in Capricorn and square Uranus in Aries in August there will be some violent repercussions in the world.

Saturn will turn direct at 4 degrees Scorpio at the new moon on July 8. This may very well time the death of a world figure, perhaps Mandela. And it will bring a turning point in the market. Saturn turns direct trine Jupiter at the new moon, bringing more upbeat developments in the market in July.


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Raphael is available for personal astrological and psychic consultations. Raphael is an expert in western and Chinese astrology. For more information visit www.raphaelsimons.com or www.trs-fengshui.com