Astrology Readings

page 8

Power Issues: Sex, Money and Control

Personal power is an individual expression, and has different meanings for each person. As a woman in the world today, your opportunity to experience and express your personal power is largely dependent upon the manner in which you develop it. Particularly in the Western World, as times have changed and the power base has gradually evolved beyond the patriarchal control of the last centuries, women are seeking to define their place in the world: collectively and individually. Gaining influence in the world through career and financial development, you begin to understand the different levels of power. Within the family, your roles are also evolving. You are also more free to express your sexual needs and desires, and demand that you are respected as a person and not sexually abused. But everything stems from your ability to identify, embrace and assimilate the true nature of your power as an individual woman.

On a personal level, you can begin to identify much about your own power by looking deeply into the meaning of your 1st House: Your Personality Self. Early in your report you read about what you project about yourself as identified by your Ascendant. Your first House further defines that projection of the Self, and is an area where you carve out much about the way you show yourself to the world on your own terms.

Through your Leo Ascendant you can demonstrate a strong sense of presence. You may feel that you are only powerful when your presence is acknowledged by others and can even be demanding in your desire for attention when you're feeling insecure. The more demanding you become, the less powerful you are. The respect and admiration you desire arises when others show their loyalty from love, not from fear. Although you may think you always operate from a pure heart, take a careful look. Have you, in your need to establish yourself, been too self-absorbed? Self-awareness and self-absorption are very different. In the instance of self awareness, you are also sensitive to the needs and desires of others as individuals. This can be especially trying in relationship to your children. You can be such a marvelous light in their lives, and the path you've forged in the world can provide inspiration to them. If you try to force your will too strongly without honestly assessing what they may need or want for themselves, you may lose their deep trust. You demonstrate your greatest power when your actions, words and attitudes radiate from the heart of love. Then, your self-assurance is genuine and shines brilliantly through a regal personality.

Pluto's energy in your 1st House brings power issues into your life at an early age. Whether you were involved in a family situation which was somewhat overwhelming or if you had experiences which lead to feelings of abandonment, you've probably learned to distrust others and may even distrust yourself. You are actually quite aware of what is happening beneath the surface, but you may not let many people know that you have this awareness. A sensitive person will be able to tell, and may even support your awareness, unless they have something to hide. To truly express your personal power, you may first have to do some work within yourself addressing your issues which stem from guilt, shame or disappointment. If you allow these negative feelings to hang on, they undermine your power and confidence. But once you've released yourself, the healing process itself empowers you to make changes which can be awe-inspiring. You need to feel that you have control over your own life, and that there is no one who can take that power from you, but first you have to convince yourself that this is true through examining your motivations and desires. If these stem from hopeful, healing feelings, there may be little that can stop you from creating transformation and regeneration within yourself and the world around you.

Another power space on your chart is your Midheaven. This point, which is usually at the top of your chart and marks the cusp of the 10th House, is like the crown and torch of the Statue of Liberty. Here too, are the indicators of the types of people you most admire, and the clues to what you need to develop within yourself to attain unshakable self-respect. Through your Aries Midheaven you are striving to experience the power which comes when you are leading the way. Your admiration for great leaders may prompt you to find a mentor whose inspiration fosters your own courage to forge your own pathways to success. Although meeting challenges can be empowering to you, disruptive outbursts or abrasive attitudes can work against your aims.

The dynamic energy of Mars in your 10th House stimulates a desire for a career which keeps you active. Your drive is matched by the courage to forge a path which allows you to assert your needs and abilities in a strong manner. You're the woman who can be at home with "the good ol' boys" and can match wits (and probably strength of will) with anyone. Work in physical fitness, the military or law enforcement may be good choices. But you may also be fascinated with medical fields and in any capacity can take charge or initiate. Developing positive ways to assert yourself may be necessary if you are to experience the success you deserve, since aggression may seem easier than positive self-assertion. You don't mind taking risks to get ahead.

Finding the right path in life can be a bit frustrating with your Moon in quincunx to your Midheaven. The answer may be as simple as listening to your changing needs instead of trying to keep everything constant all of the time. Flexibility in your schedule may be important to your happiness in your work, but you also need to develop flexibility in your consciousness which will allow you to re-focus your aims from time to time. What was important in the last decade may no longer be meaningful.

The energy of your Sun in semisextile aspect to your Midheaven strengthens your ability to accomplish your aims, especially if you are willing to take the necessary steps which will allow you to grow into your power. Some situations in your life may allow you to rise to prominence with apparent suddenness, but you will know if you're prepared to handle it. You may find that political involvement is especially empowering, particularly when you use your influence to support the needs of the community.

Cultivating your intellectual abilities enhances your confidence and success in the world. You may also be quite adept working with people and will probably enjoy working in fields which require good people skills. Getting the education you need is an important step, and your acceptance and understanding of this approach can be especially empowering. Sometimes, your expectations concerning your ambitions or profession are unrealistic. Jupiter's energy in square aspect to your Midheaven stimulates you to push the limits, and sometimes you simply go too far too quickly. Setting a pace within a reasonable frame of reference is not really your style, but it can help if you've run into some problems along the way toward achieving your ambitions. The gift of this aspect is a continual feeling of optimism, even when times are hard. And it is that very optimism which may help you get there while you work through all the rough places along the way.

Saturn's energy in quincunx to your Midheaven indicates a series of frustrations and difficulties along the pathway to success. You may feel uncertain of your abilities, or may not put enough effort into developing the skills you need to assure your success. This happens most often when you feel pressured by circumstances which undermine your self-confidence, and the work you must do involves re-evaluating your goals and starting again. If you've experienced an interruption in your education or have been unable to complete the requirements necessary to accomplish your aims, you may lose your resolve. But if you really want to change your life circumstances, you can apply yourself to the task at hand. Take a careful look at your limitations but also find ways to capitalize on your strengths. Your own inertia can be your worst enemy: just tell yourself to keep moving and stay focused on your aims.

Your rebellious nature can get in the way of achieving your aims. (that is because of your Scorpio Moon and the Uranus energy). The energy of Uranus insquare aspect to your Midheaven stimulates your need for independence, and sometimes the changes you create or experience can turn your life upside down. You will probably not enjoy a regular 9:00 to 5:00 job, and if given the chance to be more flexible may perform better. But in order to achieve the satisfaction you desire from a career or profession, you need to feel that your efforts stand out from the crowd. It takes some maturity to figure out how to do that without appearing purely disruptive, but you can accomplish it if you desire. You probably don't care about fitting into a mold anyway, and when you learn to use your uniqueness to your advantage, you'll be amazed at the results.

With Neptune in opposition to your Midheaven, you may not have strong ambitions for success in the world. You may be prompted to withdraw and may not feel that you have a clear direction anyway. The only way you can find direction is to get outside yourself in a positive sense. Although meditation and contemplation can be helpful tools, they are only helpful if they offer some objectivity. Reaching out to others will help you see yourself more clearly. But you do have to keep you your personal boundaries intact! It's a very tricky balance.

Pluto's energy trines your Midheaven fortifying your needs to accomplish personal fulfillment through your life path. You feel most empowered when your work allows you to effect changes. Your options for career may span the spectrum of possibilities, but you can be especially drawn to the healing arts, psychology, political reform, urban renewal or work which gives you a chance to help others establish their own sense of power. You can be very effective in positions of influence and can become a formidable force when challenged by those who abuse their own power.

Someone once said that money makes the world go around, and from all evidence, it certainly seems to be a powerful force. Money, in fact, symbolizes power. With money, you can have what you want. With more money, you can have more of what you want. Without money, you may want what you cannot have. Your relationship with money is an extremely intimate and seductive force. The way you use your resources - money, time, energy - says a lot about how you perceive your own power and personal worth. This facet of yourself is expressed through the 2nd House of your chart. Here, you express your value systems. The important special link between finances and self-esteem cannot be understated, and is especially important for you as a woman. In order to extract the real value of your talents and services from others in the world (such as what you are paid from your job), you must first value yourself. Leo's qualities radiate through your 2nd House, adding a need to be in control of your own finances, time, and resources. You have an uncanny ability to draw on resources, even when you think you've reached the bottom of the barrel. In essence, when you are feeling strongly about yourself and are willing to put for the effort to meet your needs, there's very little that can stop you from achieving those aims! Even if you are married and share your resources, you'll probably prefer to be in charge of the finances, or at least have control over some of your own money. Someone else telling you what to do with your time, money or energy may engender a sense of resentment, since having power in this area of your life can be a matter of personal pride. Your self worth can be strengthened through maintaining an awareness of your personal needs and allowing yourself to feel good about enjoying their fulfillment. Since your Sun's energy plays a major role in the way you develop your self esteem, you'll discover that you feel good about yourself when you've gained the recognition you need for your efforts. You can be a little selfish with your finances, and may not like the idea of giving up something you want for someone else. Sometimes this can get in your way, and achieving a balance between giving and receiving can be one of your greatest challenges.

Just because your 2nd House is empty do not think that you'll be without money. This can, in fact, be a strong indicator that money matters will not be a primary drive in your life. Self-esteem issues may not be extremely powerful for you either, although you can strengthen your sense of self-worth by embracing the qualities associated with the sign which is on the cusp of this house.

Resources which you share with others are reflected in the 8th House of your chart. Whether you're considering joint property and finances, inheritance, insurance settlements or tax obligations, this area is not as free and easy as the 2nd House, which seems more like what you want for yourself alone. Another layer of this part of your life deals with your sexuality, and the manner in which you open intimately to others. This is a very personal space, and it is probably one of the most guarded aspects of any woman's psyche. It is here that much wounding has taken place over many centuries, and it is here that the mask of propriety has to be removed in order to openly accept and integrate that fact that you are a person who needs wholeness and healing, and who yearns to bond at the most alchemical level with life itself.

Here you also find your compulsions. It's no wonder that you don't display this part of yourself to just anybody. You have to feel safe to open this facet of yourself, and you realize that this vulnerability can be used against you in power plays. But what you may not always remember is that this is also where you have the power! In true tantric traditions, it is through the vessel of a woman's sexual energy that a couple can ride the wave of sexual ecstasy. This also extends to the other power aspects of any relationship. If your transformational and magical qualities are blocked, the whole of the relationship will suffer.

You may enjoy an unusual approach to achieving real intimacy. The influence of Aquarius on your 8th House stimulates a desire to experience unconditional acceptance through exploring the intimate side of your relationship, which includes your sexuality. Allowing room for experimentation, creating an opportunity for honest and open communication and acknowledging and supporting your mutual emotional and physical needs will strengthen the bond you have with your partner. You can be aloof in this area, particularly if you are afraid of the effects of allowing another person to become this close. Just going through the motions will never give you what you need - which is to be transported into another realm through the alchemy of love. The resources you create with a partner may grow best when you have a real vision of what you want to create together. This shared vision can deepen your bond with one another, and if you're involved in doing things for others you may discover that you somehow grow closer to one another.

Since you have no planets in the 8th House you may not be obsessed with too many problems or hassles with the issues of this area in your life. But you may not get off free on this one, either. Study the sign on the cusp of this house and read everything noted about the planet associated with that sign, because this is the energy tied up with your emotional attachments! Mars energy is about getting what you want by going after it. Mars is drive. Mars is courage. Mars is desire. Mars is unabashed sexuality. Mars is the fuel for personal power. Men do Mars quite effectively, right down to fighting and war. But you also have a warrior spirit, an Amazon Self. This is your Mars. If you fail to own and utilize your own Martian force, you lose power.

With Mars in Taurus, you may not feel comfortable in hot pursuit. You would prefer to draw your lover into your nest where you can then take charge. You do like sex; in fact, you are extremely sensual and can be a very patient lover with a strong sexual appetite. But you can also be extremely possessive, which can be your downfall. If you are feeling insecure, feelings of jealousy and possessiveness can emerge and undermine your sense of personal worth. And if there is trouble in a relationship, you can also become resentful, an emotion which drains your vitality. Once you've established a sense of personal security, these negative manifestations are diminished, and you may feel that you can build a more stable power base. But this requires trust in yourself and a desire to share your energy, time and resources.

Saturn plays the role of the big controller in your life. Sometimes that control seems to come from outside. You know - all the rules and regulations, the authority figures, the intimidating people who tell you what to do - this is the Saturn of the outside world. But you have the same traffic cop in the back of your own mind, telling you what is right and wrong, chiding you when you make a mistake, holding you back when you're about to do something stupid. Saturn control can be a good thing. This is your energy for self-discipline, clarity and focus. You need Saturn. But you need Saturn in its most productive sense. You do not need the guilt, intimidation and self-limitation that keep you from having what you require from life. You are learning about the power of ultimate life experiences with Saturn in Scorpio.

Although you can be very controlling, you may also attract people who test your self-control and whose emotional impact in your life tests the line between love and hate. You can be an extremist, and if you allow your energy to swing too far in one direction, the drain of energy required to bring everything back into balance can drain your power. You need to experience what it's like to exercise power over your own life, and may fight bitterly with anyone who tries to get in the way of decisions which involve your personal sanctity - decisions over such things as reproduction, medical care, choices about death. Before you can deal with these things effectively, you have to know how you feel and what drives you in these matters. Just giving in to your fears, guilt or shame in these areas will quickly drain your vital force, and leave you open to the control of others. You are faced with learning the difference between destructive uses of power and healing transformation.

Your deep sense of personal power is based upon taking responsibility for your feelings, needs and thoughts. With your Moon in conjunction with Saturn, it's easy to fall into depression and may be difficult to create joy. Becoming self-empowered is a direct result of learning how to overcome emotional obstacles, and if fear or anxiety is your obstacle, then the best medicine is creating and growing true joy in your life. Your power may be there but is difficult to harness when you're depressed. From that depressed state, you are filled with inertia. When you are inhibiting the flow of emotional energy in your life, you lose power. Begin by embracing the power which arises from your feminine force, and by accepting being a woman as a positive experience. Determine that you will celebrate your victories fully and completely. And remember that laughter can be very empowering!

You may be quite confident about yourself and your ability to achieve what you want from life. With your Sun and Saturn in trine aspect, you can use responsibility, self-discipline and structure to your advantage in building your security base. It is this base which strengthens your power as an individual. As you've matured, you've discovered the importance of focus, and are most successful when you have well-defined objectives. You can use your achievements as stepping stones, and will be most satisfied with your life when your choices reflect a clear sense of yourself as a whole woman.

It's easy to allow negative thinking to sap your power with Mercury square Saturn. Your attitudes about work and education are important parts of your life foundation, and if you fail to bring forth the mental discipline necessary to accomplish your aims, you will be disappointed in the results.

You can be a little lazy with Jupiter in trine aspect to Saturn. Things seem to come easily, and it's good to know that you have a little cosmic insurance policy. But if you are to know true abundance which sustains and supports you and which arises from the core of your own power, you have to put some effort into creating your life on your own terms. If anyone can learn to manifest abundance, it is you. You know how to make the right connections, but what do you do with them? Your awareness and knowledge can also inspire others who may not be as fortunate, but who have the desire to change their lives.

You have the knack of using your ingenuity to your benefit with Saturn in trine aspect to Uranus. You may be blessed with many talents, but until you apply the discipline, effort and energy to them which are necessary to develop them to their fullest may only accomplish mediocre success. It can also be tempting to live vicariously through your talented children, although if you put your energy into supporting and guiding them to do what they need to do for themselves you'll learn something about yourself in the process! To become totally free to be yourself, you can use your respect for the traditions of the past and then alter them to support and reflect your unique self expression. You're the woman who will start family traditions of your own and can extend that same energy into the social system through your efforts in your career.

You may be afraid of changes which are the result of actions which seem to be beyond your control with Saturn in square aspect to Pluto. It is crucial that you are aware of the root of these fears, since you may actually be responding fearfully to something just because the fear is so deeply ingrained you have no choice in the matter. If you've suffered loss, been abandoned, abused or neglected, these fears will act like a shield to keep you from experiencing the security, stability and inner strength you need. But if you desire to break out of this prison, you can confront and address those fears and use them as stepping stones to your ultimate escape. Learning how to deal with others who try to overwhelm you with guilt or their raw power is another key to finding your own strength. If you are not secure, you may also adopt attitudes which are difficult for those around you, serving to further wall you in. Inner exploration through psychotherapy and supportive counseling can help you get to the root of these issues so that you are dealing with them once and for all. But if you do nothing, you may feel stuck forever.

Plutonian control is sometimes difficult to grasp, but it's definitely there. When you feel this control from outside yourself, it is undermining and extremely intimidating. The force of Pluto is buried deep within your psyche. It is unleashed and grows in a manner like the process of mitosis in a fertilized cell, which is altered, splits off, combines with other cells and ultimately becomes an organism. Through Pluto, you experience the power of life, birth, healing, and the ultimate change of death. If you are trapped in a mire of shame, guilt and self-destructiveness, you may have undergone a Plutonian transformation as a result of trauma earlier in your life. But it is this same force which plants the seeds of change that eventually can lead to the creation of a new self.

The power influence of Pluto in your 1st House has been interpreted earlier in this section of your report. You were born with Uranus and Pluto in semisextile to one another, an aspect which occurs only rarely (usually about once or twice in a century), and which has a generational influence. Alongside others in society you may have exceptional opportunities to bring new ideologies and unusual social changes into operation during your lifetime, but you may also take steps on your own to alter the status quo.

Your rebellious nature can get in the way of achieving your aims. The energy of Uranus in square aspect to your Midheaven stimulates your need for independence, and sometimes the changes you create or experience can turn your life upside down. You will probably not enjoy a regular 9:00 to 5:00 job, and if given the chance to be more flexible may perform better. But in order to achieve the satisfaction you desire from a career or profession, you need to feel that your efforts stand out from the crowd. It takes some maturity to figure out how to do that without appearing purely disruptive, but you can accomplish it if you desire. You probably don't care about fitting into a mold anyway, and when you learn to use your uniqueness to your advantage, you'll be amazed at the results.