Find Your Nova

TL;DR: This analysis explores how an astrological transit on August 23, 2024, activated specific elements in a natal chart, leading to a series of real-life events. The analysis demonstrates the powerful influence of planetary movements, especially when the ascendant moves into a new sign, triggering aspects between natal and transiting planets. A mix-up at a lab appointment highlights how Mars' square to Venus can manifest as tension, miscommunication, and eventual resolution. The Tangled Dance of Mars and Venus: A Transit Analysis There's a curious and often unsettling precision in how the movements of celestial bodies mirror our daily lives. On August 23, 2024, at precisely 11:30 AM in Berkeley, the ascendant slipped into Scorpio, casting a shadow across my twelfth house—a place often associated with hidden enemies, hospitals, and the confines of the mind. This was no ordinary day, and as I later reflected, it became clear that the universe was staging a play where Mars and ...

TLDR September’s astrological transits, particularly Venus in Libra and Saturn in Pisces, offer a unique period to reflect on the interconnected lessons of loss and worth, emphasizing how one reveals the value of the other despite their aversion. Watching "The Grey Man," a particular quote struck a chord with me: "Mostly it's loss which teaches us about the worth of things." Attributed to Arthur Schopenhauer, a German philosopher, this thought-provoking statement inspired me to consider how we, as astrologers, interpret these words against the backdrop of current astrological events. Presently, Saturn resides in Pisces, a placement emphasizing themes of loss, sacrifice, and the dissolution of boundaries. Saturn, the stern teacher of the zodiac, in the mutable waters of Pisces, pushes us to confront and accept the transient nature of life. It’s a period where the lessons of loss are pronounced, compelling us to introspect and find meaning amidst the nebulous and ...

How to Download Swiss Ephemeris Asteroid Data Using a Python Script This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough for using a Python script to download asteroid data from the Swiss Ephemeris, hosted on Dropbox. The script automates the download process, saving time and effort when dealing with large datasets that Dropbox does not allow to be downloaded all at once. Prerequisites Python : Ensure Python is installed on your system. Basic Command Line Knowledge : Familiarity with using terminal commands. Dropbox Access : Obtain the Dropbox directory URL and the associated rlkey required for downloading files. Step-by-Step Guide 1. Gather the Required Data Dropbox Directory URL : Navigate to the Swiss Ephemeris GitHub page and locate the Dropbox link for the asteroid data. The link should look something like https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/y3naz62gy6f6qfrhquu7u/h/long_ast . RL Key : This is a query parameter required by Dropbox to allow access to the files. It is usually part ...

TLDR: Chiron in astrology represents our ability to heal and guide others through the wisdom gained from our deepest wounds and traumas. Its influence peaks around age 50, during the Chiron return. Each house placement of Chiron highlights specific areas of life where we might experience pain, but also where we can find profound growth and healing. In astrology, Chiron stands as a beacon of paradoxical wisdom. Known as the "Wounded Healer," Chiron's influence emerges from the deepest recesses of our wounds and traumas, possibly echoing from past lives. These experiences, etched into our souls, shape our journey, guiding us toward healing and the ability to mentor others. This body's influence peaks around age 50, during what is known as the Chiron return, a time of intense personal reflection and transformation. Each zodiac sign where Chiron is located reveals its ruling and exaltation planets, casting nuanced shades on our lives.  Chiron’s placement in the first hous...

TLDR:  My journey through various house systems in astrology, from quadrant to whole sign houses, has shown me that no one system is inherently better than another. Each has its strengths, and the key is to find what resonates with you and develop a deep understanding of its philosophical and practical foundations. Astrology has always been more of a divinatory art to me than a causal science. This perspective allows for a fluid and personalized approach to astrological practices. It’s not about finding the one true system but about discovering which one speaks to you, which one feels like home. My exploration of house systems began with quadrant houses. As a budding astrologer, using the same systems as others, with accessible interpretations, was practical. It provided a solid framework, especially in the areas of modern and evolutionary astrology. This alignment with common practices built my confidence, offering a clear method to analyze and interpret charts. The practicality o...

TLDR:  The significance of August 8, known as the Lion's Gate, has stirred much excitement, particularly in New Age circles, but its true astrological basis may be more nuanced. While numerology gives the date a unique allure, the actual astrological alignment that reflects the ancient concept of the Thema Mundi occurred on August 2 this year, around 3 AM in Berkeley, California. The world seems to pause and buzz with a peculiar kind of energy when August 8 rolls around, especially in circles steeped in New Age spirituality and Aquarian thought. This date, often heralded as the Lion's Gate, has found a remarkable foothold in popular and social media. Traditional and even some modern astrologers often find themselves perplexed, scratching their heads at the fervor surrounding this phenomenon. Is there a genuine astrological basis to this date, or is it merely a figment of New Age imagination? While I don’t want to assert the New Age attributes linked to the Lion's Gate are c...