Frequently Asked Questions

This is the ANSWERS page! I never quit looking for answers either, so... this page is designed to answer as many questions as I could come up with. Please click on the button below that most closely resembles your current curiosity. Feel free to email me if these fail to answer the question(s) you have. Thanks!

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Questions About Astrology

What's This About a 13th Sign? How Did My Sun Sign Change?

What’s this 13th Zodiac Sign and Why Am I no longer a (certain sign)??

I thought I’d wait and write this for next month, but it looks like many of you don’t want to wait for the answer : - )

1. Zodiac Signs and Constellations of stars are not the same things.

When you walk outside and look up at the stars, you can “make up” pictures in your head about what any group of stars look like. You might look at a group and think “Arrow”. Someone else might look at the same group and say “sideways hat “or “flock of birds”. It’s all subjective unless you compare it to traditional points of view. Even those points of view could be different depending on your tribe or upbringing. In Astronomy, there have been standards for constellations and their names for centuries. The constellation of Ophiucus is not new. It is located between Scorpio and Sagittarius on the edge of our zodiac belt. There’s no question among astrologers that Ophiucus is a legitimate constellation. Ophiucus is not a zodiac sign or a member of any zodiacal grouping. Astrologers will not consider it a 13th zodiac sign for one simple reason:

2. The Zodiac depends on having 12 Signs.

Certainly, anyone could look up at our zodiacal belt of stars and select any number of constellations and name them zodiac signs. Libra as a constellation is quite expansive, while Aries is fairly small. This would make no sense whatsoever to say that a majority of people are born in Libra, because it’s bigger. Instead, astrologers many centuries ago, decided to select a starting point of the Spring Equinox and divided the sky into 12 sections of 30 degrees each. They then decided to match groups of stars to “fit” into these 12 signs. In an age where there were no calculators and no computers working with whole numbers were essential. The number 12 divides evenly into several integers: 1,2,3,4 and 6. The number 13 or any other number, does not. Twelve sections of 30 degrees each equal 360, which is a complete circle mathematically. To arbitrarily select any other number is useless and prevents any development of easy planetary progression or logical interpretation of the zodiac signs. For example, are we going to say each sign is now 27.69230769230769 degrees wide? (360 divided by 13). Are we going to have 13 months on our calendar? Are we going to add a special asterisk to the idea of 4 elements having 3 signs each (4 x 3 = 12).

3. Our Zodiac starts in two different places.

On any given circle, anyone may select a place that’s a starting point. In the night sky, there are two opinions on where we should “start” the circular group of 12 zodiac signs. Many ancient groups with little or no technology and no need for tropical seasons, such as hot or cold, objectively start the zodiac at Zero Aries. Societies that have temperate seasons, such as a “cold” winter or “hot” summer find it easier to assign interpretations to the zodiac by starting at the Spring Equinox. Both of these points in the sky match up equally every 26,000 years. The last time they matched was during the time of Christ. Today, they differ about 23 degrees. It’s not newsworthy to argue about where the best place to start your circle is. This debate has gone on between astrologers of North America and Asia for decades. I would suspect it will continue for many, many more as the difference between starting points grows.

So, for anyone confused about what Sun Sign they are, odds are it has not changed whatsoever. For those born on the cusp between two zodiac signs (If you were born between the 19th and 22nd of any month), it’s best to have your chart done professionally, with accurate astronomical tables.

It’s easy to start rumors or “create” news on the Internet. Between Facebook and You Tube, anyone can make themselves newsworthy, if given enough attention. Studying astronomy and astrology can enlighten anyone and bring hours of enjoyment and conversation. Just make sure you check the credentials and education of anyone claiming to be an expert.

What Can Astrology Do For Me?

For thousands of years, astrology has helped people from all walks of life. From finding lost objects to discovering ways to improve relationships, having a chart constructed is a lot like finding a map that holds the key to life's answers. Whether you're seeking the perfect career calling or an esoteric understanding of your universe, planets symbolically relate to events and patterns here on Earth. Answering any question in life requires information in order to locate a solution. Your natal chart holds more information about you and your future than any other oracular object. And anyone can learn how to read the chart, you do not have to be "psychic". Check out the Classes For Students section to learn how to read the stars!

How Does a Chart Differ From a Sun Sign Horoscope?

A nativity chart (or natal chart) includes all of the major planets in our solar system. Their positions at the time of your birth coincide with personality traits not too unlike the myths created by the Greeks centuries ago. Each planet is an indicator of various areas of life. Their placement in your chart becomes a symbol for how your talents will be used. A Sun Sign column is limited to giving generalizations about an entire Sun Sign. This type of interpretation cannot answer specific questions, or differentiate between one person and the next. Your natal chart is unique in that it only speaks about you, your past, and your future.

What About Free Will?

Although I cannot speak for every professional astrologer, I believe that our charts are merely road maps of a potential future. Powerful as they are, they do not restrict free will... only shape it. Understanding what your talents are does not stop you from trying new things. Knowing yourself enough to see how you may react to a given situation in the future, doesn't prohibit you from changing your mind. Knowing the parameters of your potential gives you more information to play out a free and self-determined destiny.

How Can I Win the Lottery or Find My Soul Mate?

Truly, astrology simply does not work like that. Your chart can hold the information saying whether or not you have the potential of having millions of dollars, but that is very rare. And even then, you may have chosen an alternative to simply having money. As for Soul Mates, this term has been overexposed to the extent that it has caused a lot of problems for those trying to find the ideal mate. I feel that EVERY couple can work out their differences. I believe that everyone meets a mate for a reason - astrology can explain what that reason is! The "ideal" partner is someone that makes this work easier and with more elegance. Everyone has differences, even identical twins! The key is to understand yourself and recognize the need for mutual respect. Respect for each others' needs and wants.

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