Water Rabbit Month 2/21 - 3/22

Water Rabbit month, starting on 2/21 shows the following signs in Chinese astrology. The year is Water Dragon, the month is Water Rabbit, the day is Water Rat , and the hour is Earth Rooster. The total balance of elements in this combination has six yin and four yang, showing that this month favors finishing over starting. Finish what you are doing before starting something new.

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The elements in the chart are 3 Wood, 0 Fire, 2 Earth, 1 Metal, and 5 Water. Five Water and no Fire gives a strong yin emphasis, and overbalance of Water. This favors concentration of attention. If you concentrate of matters at hand you will be able to bring them to completion. Do not give in to fear, panic, cunning, or self-centeredness, all these being negative qualities of water. The virtue of Water is concentration and clear reflection.

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The vital element this month is Earth. Being practical and down to earth, trustworthy and forthright, while persevering and showing courage are best.

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This month favors people working in creative, talent related professions, such as artists, entertainers, musicians, inventors, sales persons, diplomats, and lawyers.

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The chart contains a star called Tien Yi, or Sky Medicine. It also contains stars called Knife Blade, and the Flower of Romance. Tien Yi is the luckiest star. It is viewed as a deity who repels bad luck. She encourages people to help one another along in life.

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Knife Blade warns against becoming intolerant and angry. Hostilities in relationships under the sign of Knife Blade presage illnesses. The Flower of Romance lends a romantic atmosphere to the month, and encourages love to blossom. If you combine the Flower of Romance with Knife Blade you have a dangerous sign. Keep your eyes open. Be careful when dealing with strangers or with people you don't quite trust.

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There is also a star called Peach Blossom. Peach Blossom encourages you to look your best. It encourages love and brings good social standing.

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The lunar month comes mid-way between two solar periods, the first starting on 2/4 and the second on 3/5. This adds meaning to the reading. Reduced to I Ching hexagrams, using traditional methods, the two solar periods yield hexagrams 47 and 21. Hexagram 47 is called Oppression, and Hexagram 21 is called Biting through. The combination of the two hexagrams suggests a breakthrough, and advises to be careful not to trust the wrong people, and take corrective actions where needed.

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The signs of this month interact with the 12 zodiac signs to give the following readings.

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Rat clashes with Rabbit. Be careful of people who waste your time and energy; you can become intolerant. On the other hand, you are attracting a lot of admiration, and can win the affection of whomever you care to charm. You are in a leading position this month. Take advantage of your opportunities.

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Ox will do well to keep their own counsel while bearing up politely with whatever burdens are heing imposed on them. Patiently bide your time. You are strong enough to carry it all. Exercise your ability to be trustworthy and responsible.

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Tiger is in an active month. Take advantage of all opportunities to make effective changes at work. This is a good time to travel, to move house, or to rearrange your home and/or office. If you are thinking of looking for a new professional opportunity this is a good time to do it. You are now able to turn adverse conditions to your advantage.

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Rabbit in Rabbit month is increases friends. Through socializing you meet people willing to assist you; you may be up for a promotion. If you have recently been in a predicament it will soon resolve.

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Dragon clashes with Rabbit. You may find yourself becoming annoyed by distractions. The month favors making money and concentrating on creative projects. People demanding too much attention will try your patience.

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Snake is supported by Rabbit. This is a good time to socialize, especially if in connection with your work. Take advantage of an opportunity that can lead to a promotion. Friendly people are there to assist you especially if you are sharp. Notwithstanding, beware of being robbed, not necessarily literally, but robbed of an opportunity.

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Horse is nourished by Rabbit. This is an important month for you to assert yourself, turn the tide, and take the lead. If you don't you may find yourself having to deal either with an enemy or with adverse conditions that sap your energy.

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Sheep has a friendly relation with Rabbit. This is a fairly even, productive month that favors making money, preparing for the future, and cultivating friendly relationships.

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Monkey is now in a period that favors being productive at work and making money. It is to your advantage to cultivate kind-heartedness, practicality and stability to avoid unnecessary obstacles. If you are in a relationship this is a very good time to deal with the practicalities.

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Rooster is now in a period that strongly favors love and pleasure. If you are in a relationship give it your best. If you aren't in a relationship, this is a good month to meet someone new.

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Dog has a very good relation with Rabbit. This is a good month for creative work, making, and saving money, improving your home, studying, and enjoying your relationships.

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Pig is in a friendly, supportive relation with Rabbit. This month favors cultivating friendships while maintaining your independence. The possibilities of making money are very strong especially if you are an entrepreneur.

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Raphael is available for personal consultations in Chinese astrology and fengshui. To find out more about Raphael's services visit www.raphaelsimons.com.

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The near future of Greece in astrology

In a nutshell, Greece is headed into well over a year of upheaval in which it is very possible they will default. The default could happen in March or later this year. The current Government will fall. The Government could be seized by EU technocrats or by an autocratic faction in Greece, possibly by the military, and that will lead to further violence and upheaval later in the year. It is probable that Greece is headed into a revolution. It will take Greece well into 2015, if not later, to stabilize. In the meantime, the situation in Greece bears upon the developing crisis in the Euro Zone, which, as we shall see will be in even more hot water later this year and into 2013 than it already is.

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The democracy of Greece was established on July 24, 1974 at 4:00 AM in Athens. At that time Venus, Mercury, and Saturn were at 3, 10, and 11 degrees Cancer, respectively. The Ascendent was at 13 degrees Cancer. And Pluto and Moon were at 4 degrees Libra. Uranus was at 23 degrees Libra, and the Sun was at 00 degrees Leo. All of these planets along with the Ascendent are involved in significant aspects from transiting Uranus and Saturn. In light of these transits to the natal chart of Greece, we can say the following.

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Between February 26th and March 15th transiting Uranus in the 10th house will be square to Venus in the 12th house of the chart of Greece. This marks disruptions of services in public institutions, increasing poverty, desperation, rising crime, and emergency-like conditions in the Parliament. Autocratic figures in the Government are crippling the people and are meeting with more and more challenges that promise their downfall.

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Between March 16th and April 1st we see transiting Uranus in the 10th house of the chart of Greece in opposition to Pluto and the Moon in the 4th house. This points to emergency conditions in which it is possible that Greece will default. A default can happen either at this time or later in the year. Moon and Pluto opposite Uranus is explosive. There will be a popular uprising and probable overthrow of the Government, or, at least, the current Government will be removed. There is also the danger that autocratic technocrats from the EU will seize the Government. If that happens, there will be a lot of violence later on in the year. Transiting Jupiter will come to square Mars in the 2nd house of the chart of Greece between May 30th and June 2nd, timing more economic turmoil and loss.

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The opposition of Uranus to Greece's Moon-Pluto conjunction is in effect during the spring equinox. This means that the entire spring quarter, and the entire year following, is going to be a time of severe upheaval for Greece. No matter how you look at it, Greece is in for a severely tumultuous year. Greece is very probably going to have a revolution.

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Saturn comes to square Greece's Sun between October 6th and 13th pointing at the serious economic depression, and the unpopularity of whatever Government is in power this coming fall. Uranus turns retrograde in July and goes back to opposition the Moon-Pluto conjunction between November 13th and January 11th, 2013. Uranus then turns from retrograde to direct on December 14th. If the default hadn't happened earlier, it may happen in December. If it happened earlier, December will still be a time of crisis and upheaval for Greece. The situation for the Euro Zone and the UK at the end of the year and into 2013, especially in January and February will also be in hot water.

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Uranus will come to square Greece's Mercury, Saturn, and Ascendent between March 7th, and April 29th, 2014, and then again, going retrograde and turning direct, square Greece's Ascendent between October 21st, 2014 and February 18th, 2015. Greece's Ascendent is at 13 degrees Cancer. 13 Degrees Cancer is a critical degree. When Uranus is moving back and forth square to the Ascendent, Greece will be in crisis. This means, that with all that is developing now and through this and next year, Greece will be coming into a greater crisis later in 2014 and into 2015. Beyond then, the country will begin to stabilize.

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Water Dragon year Chinese astrological predictions

The Chinese lunar new year always starts on the second new moon after the winter solstice. The new moon of January 23rd, 2012 starts the year of Water Dragon.

Chinese astrology is read from the signs of the year, month, day, and hour. The sign for the year is Water Dragon; the sign for the first month this year is Water Tiger; the sign for the first day this year is Water Sheep; and the sign for the first hour of the new year in China is Metal Monkey, in western Europe is Fire Dragon, and in the US is Water Ox.

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The element count for the new year chart in the US is 7 Water, 3 Wood, 2 Fire, 4 Earth, and 1 Metal. The element count for the new year chart in western Europe is 6 Water, 4 Wood, 3 Fire, 4 Earth and 0 Metal. The element count for the new year in China is 6 Water, 3 Wood, 2 Fire, 4 Earth and 2 Metal. The charts for the entire world show a strong over-balance of the element Water, strongest in the US. Because of the over-balance of Water, the vital element for the year for the world is Wood. Cultivating the qualities of Wood is how we can best handle the energy of all that Water. The virtues of Wood are planning and deciding. The relationship of Water to Wood tells us that the best we can do this year is to produce, and to be mindful of business and creative work. This is a year to be productive. The charts all favor independent professions, technical professions, and entrepreneurial ventures. Wood element rules writers, artists, strategists, designers, people in information fields, all technical fields, computer engineering, website designing, architectural design and decor, graphics, public relations, media, travel, telecommunications, radio, television, the music and recording industries, the film and animation industries, photography, lighting, textiles, paper, lumber, furniture, the building trades, contracting, printing, sign making, translation services, sports-related industries, and internet business.

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The strongest element in the charts is Water. Water points to will power. This year supports focused will power as the way to overcome fear. Go forward with the force of running water. It is a good year for making changes in business, and, for many, if you are not moving house, to rearrange your home; the year calls for refreshment and renewal.

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The chart for western Europe has no Metal element. This points to challenges coming up in the second half of the year. No Metal means weak of boundaries. The EU is vulnerable. The situation there is fraught with challenges through the fall and into 2013.

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The chart for China has Monkey void in the hour. That means that business in China is not as stable as China might want you to believe. It also means that China is not in as strong a position this year as they might wish to be.

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The new year chart has what is called Academic Nobleman Star. It favors people who are intelligent and gentle, and supports great achievements in academic studies as well as in areas of research, and cultural and artistic activities. Academic Nobleman Star offers the people of the world the opportunity to peacefully turn adverse circumstances into favorable ones.

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The over-balance of Water in the charts also points to a general tendency in the world to feel fear. The fear will be most pronounced during the first two lunations of the year, from January 23rd to March 22nd, and again through the second half of the year, but especially into the winter from November, 2012 through to February, 2013. Water is fear and trembling. There is coming turbulence in the world, notably in Europe and America. Water element also means a lot of thinking. People are working overtime in their minds more and more. A lot of nervous stress will develop. More and more people will go mad toward the end of 2012 and into 2013. It is a good time for hypnosis for stress management.

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The over-balance of Water also points to cold. The next couple of months may be cold, but the period of November through to February, 2013 may become severely cold.

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The Shar, or negative direction on space, in the year of Dragon is south. If you sit in your office with your back to the south, or if the head of your bed is on a south wall, you can mitigate the Shar by putting something yellow or orange behind you on the south wall for the year.

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In the Chinese 9 Star solar calendar this is called the year of 6 Metal. It favors creative activity. This year, in the solar calendar, we find the Star of Destruction in the southeast. If, when standing in your front door, looking out, you face the southeast, put five pennies under the doormat, either inside or outside the front door, and arrange them in an inverted V formation, the point of the V pointing out the door to mitigate the destructive force coming in this year from the southeast. In addition, the Star of Sickness is in the north this year. If, when standing in your front door, looking out, you face north, put five pennies the same way under the doormat in an inverted V formation to keep your home protected from undue illness this year.

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The signs of the year of Water Dragon bring the following general fortunes to the other signs. If you know the signs of your day of birth, you can read the fortunes for both your year and day of birth.

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For Rat this will be a lively year. You are attracting others. This will work positively for you personally as well as professionally. Romance is in the offing. The year favors traveling, moving house, changing your work, and rearranging your home. Go after your financial prospects with confidence, and, even if you are in a romantic relationship, take needed time out for your plans and moves. You are in the lead, and need to act independently. You may have a lot to do with friends and family this year.

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For Ox this year favors spending time alone, getting in touch with your own thoughts, managing your stress levels, and working creatively. It is best to act in the spirit of Aikido so that you yield to outside pressures as a way turning undesirable confrontations away and protecting yourself. Use money conservatively. Don't take any undue risk. Be cautions about others coming to you with demands. While you are sharp and smart, you may need to reflect on how some people can rob you, not only of money, but of your time and energy. Don't cling.

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For Tiger this is a year for traveling, moving house, changing conditions at work, and rearranging your home. There is nothing you can't figure out and solve by using your quick mind. People will come to your aid when needed. The year strongly favors creative activity and entrepreneurial ventures. If your work is in the areas of service, tourism, art, music, theater, or any other talent related professions, this promisses to be a fruitful year.

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For Rabbit something comes to an end this year, be it a relationship or an old condition that is no longer working. The year strongly favors sorting out your situation. Someone, or some people, will be there to help you when or if you need them. Your ability to figure things out will turn adversity to your advantage. This year favors taking better care of your health, and looking into the future. You are in a strong position, and are able to take the lead expecially where and when you act independently. You will have luck in areas of entrepreneurship and where you express your creative talents. Take advantage of whatever discord you feel this year by looking forward. This is a good year to learn something new.

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For Dragon a battle fought is a battle won, but don't beat yourself up along the way. The year will be particularly dynamic and challenging for those of you born in 1976, the year of Fire Dragon. This year will get off to a good start if you initiate changes early; the early bird catches the worm. The year favors changes at work, moving house, and rearranging your home. It also favors putting money away. This really is the year for you to face odds and take the lead; others will look up to you. People will be making demands on you. At the same time, if you take the initiative, you will be more successful in love.

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For Snake this year may be winding down something that has taken a long time to develop. It is a good year forexploring ways to make changes at work, move house, or rearrange your home. It is good for taking the initiative to search out different money making avenues. You will be better off if you dont fall back on the same old thing. Someone is be there for you if you need help. On the other hand, be cautious and use your sharp intelligence to protect yourself against being taken unfair advantage of, or being robbed, either of your money, time, or energy. Not everyone is to be trusted. Pay attention to your health too. The year favors using divination to look into your future. You may be developing a romantic interest.

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For Horse restless as you naturally are, this year's signs don't advise taking off and making any undue changes. New people are coming your way, at least one with romantic intentions, whether you want to become involved or not. And, even if you are already in a relationship, you may find being alone the welcome change. The year strongly favors paying attention to yourself, taking care of your health and taking time out to look into what you want to created toward the future. Professionally, the year advises staying on even keel, and keeping the status quo.

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For Sheep whatever you yearn for, this is not the best time for making great changes. But, as Dragon is always friendly to Sheep, this year will be ok no matter what you do or don't do. The year advises you to pay attention to what nourishes you, and to put up with with the status quo unless you are determined not to. Money will be fair if you have established a stable pattern in the past. Whatever you have been developing will continue to develop. This is not the easiest year for a relationship, but it doesn't discourage you from developing a relationship; just keep your eyes open. The year does favor developing your talents, doing creative work and being productive.

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For Monkey this is a year for self-development. It strongly favors looking into yourself and your future by divination. It also favors developing your talents and working creatively. And while you may attract others, due to your natural charisma, you may feel more inclined to spend time alone with your ideas.

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For Rooster this year brings romance. If you are already in a relationship, or if someone new comes along, this year will bring you a lot of pleasure. You also can make plenty of new friends and enjoy yourself with those you already have. It is a good year for social involvements and activities. A Dragon may be particularly interested in you. The year also favors learning new things, doing research, and expressing your talents. If you are an artist, this is a good year.

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For Dog this is a challenging year in which you will get the upper hand in the matter especially in the second half of the year. It is a year for you to rely on yourself, to take the lead and hunt for those opportunities you want. Look in new areas. Start something new. A change of scenery will be interesting.

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For Pig this year increases your energies. It is a good year for you to take initiative, and, while there are friendly people all around, to act independently. Many people will find you a source of ideas for which reason you may be of much help. Take advantage of your opportunities, especially those coming through people who are interested in what you have to say.

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To get your own personal in-depth Chinese astrological reading you may wish to contact Raphael. To find out more about Raphael's services visit www.raphaelsimons.com

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The world Zeitgeist at New Year 2011

A chart made at Greenwich, UK at midnight January 1st, 2012 gives us somthing like a snapshot of the new year now beginning to unfold. It shows us the Zeitgeist, or the mood of the world going into the new year.

The planetary aspects are fairly much equally divided between hard and easy. On the hard side we have Sun square Moon, Moon square Pluto, Sun square Uranus, Mercury square Mars, Pluto square Uranus, and an opposition between Saturn and Jupiter.

On the easy side we have Sun trine Jupiter, Jupiter sextile Neptune, Pluto trine Jupiter, and Saturn trine Neptune.

The Sun is conjunct Pluto. This is a year of needed transformations in all areas of organization. Sun conjunct Pluto also says that criminal, underworld characters are at play in it and advises to stay clear of criminal activity. The hard aspects also tell us that this is a year for needed break throughs in face of complications, and challenges. Notable figures will leave the scene forever. We can anticipate plenty of political arguments, conflict and fighting; it does not necessarily mean a new war coming, but could. If the forces in the world opposing such conflict back down there can be a new war; it hangs in a balance. The year promisses to be turbulent. There will be increasing conflict between the tyrants and those who protest them. Saturn's opposition to Jupiter shows ambivalence in business. We can expect business still to be unstable.

Looking at the easy side, the Sun trine Jupiter brings prosperity and growth. Jupiter and Saturn in good aspects with Neptune give hope for social and economic reform. Pluto trine Jupiter reforms and resolves complications. There is reason for hope.

There are 4 planets in cardinal signs, 3 planets in fixed signs, and 3 planets in mutable signs. The Sun and Moon are in cardinal signs. The year brings a lot of activity and change. Moon in dexter square Sun is forcing break throughs. Uranus behind the Moon says that we can expect some changes to be disruptive and occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Moon between Uranus and Jupiter says improvements are coming; the future looks better than the past. The Moon is in her 1st mansion. This brings many changes in business. The job market will be changeable. The Moon in this position encourages us to be proactive. Don't look for miracles; make them happen.

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The New Moon of 12/24 in Astrology

Following the winter solstice, the New Moon at 2 degrees Capricorn was on 12/14 at 6:07 PM GMT. The Moon's outstanding aspects are its conjunction with Pluto, square Uranus, and trine Jupiter. The Moon is also forming parallel aspects with Venus and Mercury. Saturn is trine Neptune, and Mercury is square Mars. We also notice that Jupiter is changing direction from retrograde to direct.

While the Moon is drawing our attention to the coming Uranus square Pluto aspect, she is also pointing to Jupiter's trine with Pluto. That with her parallels with Venus and Mercury are telling us that this month will bring some positive developments and opportunities to the world. Moon trine Jupiter favors commerce and trade. It brings growth. Moon parallel Venus says the same and favors social activities, festivities, and theatrical events. It also favors diplomatic relations and affords opportunities for international understandings. Moon parallel Mercury favors commercial activities, publishing, science, and speech making. This is a significant time to listen to what political figures are saying. All in all, despite the growing tensions shown by Uranus coming to square Pluto, this is an active month for business. It opens a window of opportunity.

The Saturn trine Neptune aspect points to the people benefiting through some political reforms in the making. Trade and the markets will benefit through this Saturn/Neptune aspect.

The Mercury square Mars aspect points to coming arguments. Mercury square Mars believes that the pen is sharper than the sword. It would suggest that the interests of business and commercial interests have a good chance to override the current sword rattling, at least for the time being.

The New Moon was in the 22nd lunar mansion. The 22nd lunar mansion enhances personal power, but does not favor making loans, nor does it does favor speculating. But, it will help you if you are trying to get out of a tight spot. On the personal level, the 22nd lunar mansion casts a shadow over marriage, and cautions about dealings with women in the family. Be careful.

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Capricorn ingress, 2011, in mundane astrology

The Capricorn ingress, or winter solstice, occured at 5:31 AM GMT on December 22nd. The outstanding aspects of the Sun at 00 degrees Capricorn include a trine to Jupiter at 00 degrees Taurus and a square to Uranus at 00 degrees Aries. The Sun is also conjunct Pluto at 6 degrees Capricorn. The Moon at the solstice was at 26 degrees Scorpio casting a square to Neptune at 28 degrees Aquarius and a trine to Uranus at 00 Aries.

The Sun conjunct Pluto and trine Jupiter and the Moon trine Uranus are very uplifting, and give us some cause for a more optimistic sense of things to come this winter. On the other hand, the Sun and Pluto square Uranus and the Moon square Neptune tell us that the same old crazy game of tyranny and misinformation is being played to everyone's consternation. Uranus at 00 degrees Aries tells us that this is critical. The critical nature of current circumstances, however, will push those in power to take more positive forms of action. Sun trine Jupiter is good for trade and financial growth.

The Moon at the solstice is in her 19th Mansion. The 19th lunar mansion is not tranquil. It favors hunting and the persuit of personal aims. It does not favor settling down on the job or at home; everything is shifting. What this suggests is that social, financial and business conditions are going to be unstable this winter. It is a good idea for the wise to go hunting, figuratively speaking. The Moon square Neptune warns us of trickery, deceptions and losses along the way, but the Moon trine Uranus tells us that through it there is a breakthrough; there is light at the end of the tunnel. Those who venture forth with eyes wide open will benefit.

The Moon at the solstice is in her 24th house, there being 28 lunar houses in all. The 24th house warns of insincere relations, and advises you to play your cards close to the chest. The 24th lunar house strongly confirms the indications of the 19th mansion; it encourages traveling, and changing of the status quo. This winter is a generally good time for shifting, changing, traveling, and moving. On the political and economic front it shows conditions in a mutable state. The markets will continue to be unstable. But, with the Sun trine Jupiter there will be some big gains. This is a good time for expanding your business against the odds. The Moon waning at the solstice tells us to decide and act; the waning moon shows a general sense in the world to conclude matters quickly.

The solstice chart in the UK has the Sun in the 1st house, Pluto in the 2nd, Uranus in the 4th house, and Jupiter in the 5th. The Moon is in the 12th house, and Neptune is in the 3rd. The Government is in difficult circumstances with respect to foreign relations and trade. But, diplomatic relations are improving to the advantage of Britain. The Sun and Pluto trine Jupiter in the 5th house favors financial gains, and speculation on the stock market. On the other hand, the Sun square Uranus in the 4th house warns of explosions in public buildings, possible mining disasters, and trouble with water mains. There is also a level of critical discontentment among the people with respect to property taxes and the cost of housing. The Moon, rising in the 12th house square Neptune in the 3rd warns of chaotic conditions on the streets involving crime, and agitation among the poor, also misinformation coming from the news media. The Moon and Ascendent conjunct the star Alpha Centauri show important diplomatic activity that, while involving disputes, will result in success for current British interests.

The solstice charts for Bruxelles and Berlin have some important differences. In a nutshell, it looks like Bruxelles pulls the wool over the eyes of Germany, and Germany obliges them and gets defrauded. In Germany, Neptune is in the 2nd house square the Moon in the 12th. This is bad for Germany's economic picture this quarter. Neptune is trine Saturn in the 10th house in Germany, Saturn ruling the 2nd house, and Venus, ruler of the 10th house in the 2nd in mutual reception with Saturn in the 10th, meaning that the Government is allowing the very undesirable state of affairs to continue and is doing all it can to bend over backwards and accomodate the thieves. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the Sun in the 1st house trine to Jupiter in the 4th is causing real estate prices to rise, and the Sun square Uranus in the 3rd house is causing a lot of arguing, potential strikes, thefts, possible road and rail accidents, and trouble with the post office. Crazy events will be reported in the news.

The solstice chart in Tehran does not show war this winter quarter. The Moon in the 10th house, however, is square Neptune in the 1st showing a great deal of bewilderment and unhappiness among the people with respect to conditions related to international affairs involving the Government and to the economic conditions that look anything but prosperous now. The Sun in the 11th house is square Uranus in the 2nd, spelling unexpected losses. The Moon in the 10th house trine Uranus in the 2nd, however, shows people in the highest circles of the Government enjoying sudden gains. The Iranian people are suffering from poverty while those who rule them are taking in all the money. Sounds familiar, doesn't it? The Sun in the 11th house is trine Jupiter in the 3rd. This favors roads; lots going on between Iran and her neighbors. Jupiter rules the 2nd house; commerce between Iran and her neighbors brings in money, and the money goes up to the top while the people live in want. Wages of workers especially in the areas of postal services, roads, news media and publishing, however, will improve despite the general indication to the contrary. Sun in the 11th house trine Jupiter in the 3rd improves the Government's relations with neigboring lands.

The solstice chart in China has Jupiter conjunct the Ascendent and the Sun in the 9th house. This is the best possible indication for China. The country is protected, and is benefiting in foreign relations. The ruler of the Ascendent, Venus, is in the 10th house showing the Government making a very glamorous appearance. There will be festive public events and ceremonies; trade will improve; the land will enjoy greater peace and prosperity; artists will receive honors; China will be proud. Venus is sextile Uranus denoting remarkable progress in scientific areas this winter, and a significant marriage in the highest echelons, or a diplomatic union of great significance. The Moon is in the 7th house square Neptune in the 11th. This is a mundane trine and zodiac square aspect. It means that though shrewd manipulations China will come out on top in international relations and dealings now. Land and property is being acquired.

The solstice chart in Australia has Neptune in the 10th house square the Moon in the 7th bringing disgrace to the current Government, especially to a woman in the Government. International entanglements are putting the Australian Government in fix. Neptune in the 10th house is trine Saturn in the 6th pointing to military, especially naval affairs involved in the matter. There is also danger coming from the area of big corporate agriculture, as seen especially in New Zealand now. The Sun is in the 8th house trine Jupiter in the 12th and square Uranus in the 11th. It speaks of endings with particularly critical stress on the Parliament. It points to changes in the Government coming up.

The solstice chart in the US has the Moon in the 2nd house square Neptune in the 5th making for more dangers of losses in the markets and banks. The Moon ruling the 10th house points to Government involvement in these areas. The Sun is in the 3rd house trine Jupiter in the 7th. International relations and communications are improving. But, important to note, both Sun and Moon and a total of eight planets are below the horizon, denoting much happening in secrecy; a lot will pass unnoticed. The Sun is square Uranus in the 6th while Venus, the ruler of the US winter solstice chart is in the 4th house sextile Uranus. This points to the critical matter of jobs and offers us some hope, as Venus sextile Uranus will improve the situation to some degree, especially in the more high tech and innovative areas. On the other hand, Sun in the 3rd house square Uranus in the 6th warns of continuing police violence on the streets, possible insubordination among military personel, and accidents and explosions, possibly on warships.

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To find out what is in store for you this quarter, Raphael is available for personal readings and consultations. To find out more about Raphael's services visit www.raphaelsimons.com.

The Lunar Eclipse of 12/10/11 in mundane astrology

The lunar eclipse occured on December 10th at 2:33 PM GMT. The eclipsed moon was at 18:08 Gemini, in conjunction with the star Bellatrix (the Warrioress) and square Mars denoting lots of harsh words and rattling of swords in the world. A lunar eclipse between 10 and 20 degrees of Gemini denotes sudden movement of armies. The time is perilous. We can give three months for the effects of the eclipse to unfold. It certainly heats up matters.

Mars at the lunar eclipse was square the lunar nodes. This adds to the tension and supports the likelihood of violence.

Mercury, the ruler of Gemini, is the despositor of the eclipsed Moon. Mercury was retrograde at the eclipse. This means that people change their mind, go back on their word, and lie. Trickery and betrayal register.

The eclipse interacts with the Fall Equinox chart; the Fall Equinox was on 9/23/11. We note that Uranus turned from retrograde to direct on the day of the eclipse, and that Uranus, at 00 degrees Aries, is in opposition to the Fall Equinox Sun This denotes a crisis in authority, autocratic political figures seizing power illegally, with consequential anger and potential rebellion among the people. The political atmosphere is tense and angry. Uranus at 00 degrees Aries is on a critical degree, denoting a crisis. Uranus is coming to square Pluto, now at 6 degrees Capricorn. The content of this crisis is going to unfold in the world in a most complicated way over the coming four to five years.

The Sun at the eclipse is in conjunction with the Fall Equinox north lunar node at 18 degrees Sagittarius. This means that the actions indicated in the Fall Equinox chart are now at a point of going forward, the north node denoting opening and expanding. To get a better sense of what this means, read this writer's analysis of the Fall Equinox.

The lunar eclipse is in the 7th Lunar Mansion. The 7th Lunar Mansion runs between 17 and 30 degrees Gemini. Its influence is exercised mainly in the mental and intuitive plane. The nature of this Lunar Mansion suggests that whatever violence develops will start with harsh words, lies and betrayals of trust.

We should watch what is happening between the EU and the UK now. In addition, we should watch countries ruled by Gemini, including the USA, Belgium, Egypt, the west of England and Wales.

The eclipse was visible over the far West of the USA and the Pacific. Watch for seismic activity in Ring of Fire. San Francisco is ruled by Gemini.

The eclipse charts for the UK and the EU have the eclipsed Moon in the 1st house and the Sun in the 7th house. This shows international tension. Mars is in the 5th house. This shows fighting in diplomatic circles. Mercury is in opposition to the Ascendent, showing plans falling through, and people changing their minds and going back on their word, causing losses. The Ascendent of the eclipse chart in the UK is at 25 degrees Taurus, conjunct the star Algol. Algol is one of the most malefic stars in the heavens. It shows the matter getting out of hand and people losing their minds. Political fighting between the UK and the EU is rancorous. In the context of transiting Pluto, the situation between the UK and EU will probably come to a major, seriously difficult crossroads late in 2012 and 2013.

The eclipse chart for the US has the eclipsed Moon in the 5th house with the Sun in the 11th house and Mars in the 8th house. The eclipse Moon rules the 7th house. This points to diplomatic wrangling. Mars in the 8th house involves the debt and losses of money. Uranus in the 2nd house shows the critical condition of the national economy. The stock market will be extremely unstable. The eclipse Moon opposite the Sun in the 11th house is polarizing the political picture. Mars afflicted in the 8th house of the eclipse chart denotes accidents and deaths by fire and crime. Be very careful through the holidays. Mars in the 8th house also denotes an increase in deaths in the military.

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Raphael is available for private readings and consultations. To find out more about Raphael's services visit www.raphaelsimons.com