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Heliocentric astrology literally
means 'Sun-Centred' astrology. Heliocentric co-ordinates
refer to the planetary positions as seen from the Sun at
the centre of the chart with all of the planets circling
it, as opposed to with the earth at the centre as in a
'traditional' natal chart. Therefore heliocentric
placements can be quite different from the ones we are
used to, especially for the faster moving planets. Often
the sign as well as the degree is quite different, even
for the slower moving planets.
Usually, we include the position of the earth in a
heliocentric chart, and the Earth is always exactly
opposite the natal Sun. As a result, any aspect made to
the Sun geocentrically (in a normal natal chart) will
automatically form a heliocentric aspect to the Earth -
these aspects are extremely important.
Calculation of a heliocentric chart is not difficult,
especially with today's software, but even by hand the
process is not especially complicated. The
interpretation of it, however, requires a thorough
understanding of traditional astrological principles.
The sign of the planet heliocentrically is as important
as geocentrically, and rulerships remain the same. The
difference in interpretation is that a heliocentric
placement in a sign indicates matters of public
interest; geocentric positions are more concerned with
private, subjective matters. Heliocentric planets
describe our more public activities, alliances and
actions.
The traditional planetary and sign meanings are
appropriate in both heliocentric and geocentric charts.
For instance, Jupiter in either chart will be concerned
with expansion, optimism and education, but heliocentric
Jupiter will be more important if those qualities lead
us into public action. Geocentric Jupiter would be
apparent on a more personal level, and may not be
apparent to others.
The heliocentric system tells us a lot about our status,
whether local, national or international, and is
especially related to our public life, career and
experience of recognition or criticism in the world at
large.
The house position of heliocentric planets is always
important, especially if there is any contact with the
Ascendant or Midheaven. Also, the heliocentric system
opens up the possibility of aspect patters that could
never happen in the geocentric system - such as Venus in
major aspect to the Sun. As Mercury and Venus are closer
to the Sun than to the earth, and move around the Sun
much faster than the earth does, they have the widest
variations between the geocentric and heliocentric
positions.
When using both systems together, it is important to use
tight orbs, else matters become very confusing. 5
degrees is usually the maximum orb allowable for aspects
to the Sun.
We can calculate day-for-a-year progressions in the
heliocentric system, just as in the geocentric one, and
this is worthwhile for several things: progressed helio
to natal geo, progressed helio to progressed helio,
progressed geo to natal helio, and progressed geo to
progressed helio. The progressed natal Ascendant and
Mid heaven are very important, and an orb of only 1
degree should be allowed for progressions. There is no
such thing as a helio Ascendant or Mid heaven.
Transits in the heliocentric system are also important.
We can use helio positions as transits to geo natal
planets, or geo positions as transits to helio natal
planets. When a heliocentric planet progresses to a new
sign, there will be a corresponding change in outlook,
experience or activities, especially in the more public
arena of life.
Of course, the public nature of heliocentric
interpretation means that this field is an excellent one
for research into the charts or prominent public
figures. We will be returning to this theme in a later
article.
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The use of gemstones and crystals
for psychic as well as decorative purposes is now
widespread. Do these gemstones have any astrological
significance, and if so, how does one work out which
stones to use for best effect?
As a general rule, the best benefits can be obtained by
wearing or using the stones represented by the strongest
or most favorably aspect planets in your natal chart.
It is, after all, those planets which tend to indicate
the characteristics that we are most 'at home with'
within ourselves. A common mistake is for someone to
wear or to use a stone associated with a quality they
wish to possess or enhance, but which is not naturally
assimilated by them. Rather than the gemstone being able
to endow us with some mystical quality which we lack, it
is far better to view them as tools to enhance the
abilities we already possess - and thereby making us in
a stronger position to seek within ourselves for the
qualities we wish to develop.
The following list will be of use in selecting which
stones may work well for you as an individual. When the
term well-aspect is used, I mean a planet which is
strong by exaltation, ruler ship, house position and/or
in favorable aspect to the 'benefices' i.e. Venus or
Jupiter. If you do not know which are the strongest
planets in your chart, any astrologer should be able to
tell you quickly and simply.
When the SUN is well aspect:
Amber, fluorite and chrysolite are recommended. Amber
(actually a fossilized resin, rather than a 'gem')
certainly conveys a sunny color, but is also helpful in
creating balance in life and in making space for
spiritual aims as well as materialistic ones. It absorbs
negativity, and has a general harmonizing influence.
Physically, it is said to benefit the conditions of
stress, asthma and urinary problems.
Fluorite is another powerful healer, which has specific
applications in the well-being of teeth, gums and bones.
Chrysolite is reputed to be powerful in healing viral
illness, toxemia and appendix problems.
When the MOON is well aspect:
Moonstone, quartz (especially milky quartz), emerald and
carnelian are recommended. The Moonstone is well known
as a soothing influence on troubled emotions, as well as
an aid to intuition and the understanding of dreams.
Milky quartz absorbs excess mental and emotional energy
and has a general calming influence.
Emerald was used in ancient times to cure eye disorders,
but is also said to enhance one's courage and
self-esteem. Carnelian is perhaps best known for
increasing fluency both of speech and of ideas - this
stone is of especial benefit to anyone in the public
eye.
When MERCURY is well aspect:
Moss agate and banded agate are recommended. Both of
these stones are said to attract loyalty and to cushion
the user from harmful vibrations. The agate stones have
a very earthy, grounding influence, which can be
invaluable to the Mercurial personality. They also
promote both truth and strength.
When VENUS is well aspect:
Opal, Lapis Lazuli, Coral and Green Jasper are
recommended. Physically, the Opal is said to increase
the assimilation of protein into the body and to be
helpful to the lungs. The Opal is an important stone and
also represents unconditional love such as that of a
parent to a child. It is important that this stone is
not worn by anyone with an afflicted (difficultly
aspected) Venus.
Lapis Lazuli is often known as the third eye stone,
reputed to help inner vision and enhance psychic
abilities. This stone is also found to be helpful in
decision making. Coral (not technically a gemstone) is
primarily known for strengthening the spleen, whilst
it's other main physical attribute is to aid the
treatment of the voice and throat. Green Jasper is a
stabilising stone which calms ad steadies the emotions.
It is also said to be a remedy for ulcers.
When MARS is well aspect:
Bloodstone, Smoky Quartz and Diamond are recommended.
The diamond is a stone of Mars-like strength and
courage, said to give clarity of ambition and the
determination to resist setbacks. Diamond also, however,
has the capacity to magnify negative thoughts and
vibrations, and should be used with care. The Bloodstone
is said to purify the blood, and is a useful stone to
wear next to the body if the wearer is suffering
physical trauma.
Smoky Quartz is a powerful healing crystal and a
grounder of excess energy. It is also traditionally said
to increase fertility in both sexes. In days gone by it
was given to soldiers as a good luck token, as it is
also believed to protect the wearer or carrier from
danger.
When JUPITER is well aspect:
Topaz is recommended. This stone is said to calm the
mind and to bring refreshing sleep. Kidney and bladder
complaints and the treatment of varicose veins are also
associated with this stone.
When SATURN is well aspect:
Onyx and Malachite are recommended. Onyx, especially
black onyx is said to help overcome hearing problems and
to promote concentration and self-control. Malachite,
with its high copper content, is said to be beneficial
against menstrual cramps and rheumatism.
When URANUS is well aspect:
Zircon and Garnet are recommended. Tourmaline is also
sometimes associated with Uranus due to its highly
electrical properties.
Zircon has physical applications in the aiding of
childbirth and the treatment of insomnia. It is also
said to aid spiritual insight. The Garnet's main uses
are in the treatment of blood disorders, however this
popular stone is also said to forewarn it's wearer of
impending danger by losing some of its color. Energy,
beauty and new opportunities are also said to await its
wearer.
When NEPTUNE is well aspect:
Amethyst and Aquamarine are recommended. The Amethyst is
a marvelous and beautiful stone, widely used for
meditation and healing applications. It is said to
increase intuition and to promote psychic development.
It is also very helpful in relieving sleeplessness and
headaches. Aquamarine prevents water-retention and is
said to be a good aid to the eyesight.
When PLUTO is well aspect:
Magnetite (lodestone) and Beryl are recommended.
Magnetite is an energy restorer and has applications in
the treatment of liver problems. It is also said to
stimulate the whole endocrine system, and is a useful
stone for meditation.
Beryl is the 'original' crystal in as much as it is
probably this stone that was used by the ancients for
scribing. It stimulates deep seated psychic abilities and
clairvoyance, and is also said to increase the will
power. The elimination of things that have served their
purpose is said to be encouraged by this stone.
Many of the stones mentioned in this piece are not
widely known to the lay-person, and you may not be aware
of what they look like. Surprisingly enough, the best
advice of all, if you want to try some crystal therapy,
is to find a good crystal shop and to spend some time
looking at and handling the various stones (a good,
professional store owner won't mind this at all, in fact
they will probably encourage it). Make your final choice
based on which stone you feel most drawn to - when you
have made your choice, that stone strikingly often turns
out to be one of those most associated with your
strongest planet. |
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