Sun in Scorpio

The Scorpio represents one of the strongest, most intelligent signs of the zodiac. He or she has a deep well of strength that, if tapped into, can produce a powerful ally, or a vindictive enemy. A huge abundance of energy usually makes this person a powerful achiever and go-getter; the Scorpio is not lazy. Though their worst fault is jealousy, in all arenas, they also have the power within to turn this around and DO something about it.

Above all, the Scorpio represents the Phoenix, that ancient symbol of death and resurrection from the ashes of youth, that fire that never dies but merely rises above and continues to change into something else. An argument is not merely an argument to a Scorpio, nor is it a chance to butt heads, but rather an experience of expressing and listening so that both participants can "rise above" and come out in a better position than when they began. This energy of the Scorpio is also frequently seen in sports, and needs to be properly channeled in order to be given full expression.

A Scorpio has an uncanny ability to get to the root of any problem, and they have a rawness of perception that makes them almost psychic. Their deep, incisive analytical mind makes them natural detectives or spies, and they are frequently workaholics, cramming each work day with hours of productiveness. They are excellent, relentless workers and excel in anything involving the Eighth House: trusts and inheritances, mortuaries, psychology and counseling, and the occult. They are masters at using other people's money to build their own fortunes, and can be extravagantly generous to charities or other worthy causes.

The mystery sign of the zodiac, Scorpios are frequently intriguing, with a truly dynamic and majestic way of going about a problem or situation. This sign is also the sign of death, but manifests itself in the struggle between the soul and the personality. The personality is usually the loser, because the Scorpio's stinger many times stings itself to death. This is where the Phoenix comes in--to resurrect the person to new heights, a new beginning, or a new way of thinking.

Thus, change is constant for a Scorpio, who is involved all the time in death, rebirth and renewal. For the Scorpio, there is no in-between--life is many times a matter of life and death, black and white, devil vs. angel, etc. They don't know the meaning of indifference, and tend to be either your friend or your enemy. There is no shade of gray. Once you've gained the trust of a Scorpio, you've won him forever--unless you hurt him in some way. Then he can become mean, vindictive, and will attempt to get even.

Scorpios have a very strong reserve, and a lot is hidden below the surface. They command respect from acquaintances due to their strong, quiet exterior, and many times work to earn the respect of close ties. They also usually show a lot of creativity, and a great ability for sarcasm with their deadly tongue, which can get them in trouble. This stinger can also, for some, show as a dark side of cruelty, sadism, and enmity. For others, who are more evolved, the stinger helps them transform their lives for the better. They are truly courageous, not afraid of anything. Their endurance makes them plow ahead, overcoming any obstacle in their path.

Though they are considered the "sexiest" sign of the zodiac, Scorpios have gotten a bad rap for being almost sleazy. They simply have strong passions that need regenerating, and a tremendous pride that seems to say, "Don't judge a book by its cover."

Scorpios are a master at hiding their emotions. They have a tremendous strength and power when they have managed to rise above their personality and seek power not for themselves, but to heal and bless others. They reach their goals through service, purity, compassion and humility. They have a need to redeem and transform their natures, and to have a happy marriage. Their innate curiosity makes them probe deeply into all things, seeking the meaning behind the surface. They dig out concealed facts, and are one of the most intuitive signs of the zodiac. A highly evolved Scorpio is psychic, having a rich inner life that is passionate about metaphysics.

On the negative side, Scorpios can be extremely critical, like their allies the Virgos. This can lead to a difficulty with co-workers because of strong judgments of them. Scorpios need to have more stability and steadiness with partners. Their great stubbornness make them sometimes outsiders, tending to be lone wolves rather than equal partners in relationships.

A Scorpio woman turns heads and grabs attention by her steamy sexuality. She has the power of presence, and a boldness and need for honesty unparalleled in the zodiac. Never, never lie to her, or she'll cut you off. A passionate lover, she can also be jealous or possessive. What she shows on the outside is not necessarily what she's really feeling, unless she's angry. Her rage can explode, with a sarcasm or a piercing look that really stings. Her intuition can be so developed that she borders on the clairvoyant; this can be seen in her eyes. As a mother, she is fiercely devoted and protective, creating a loving and comfortable home for kids.

A Scorpio man is intense, passionate and private. Everything he does is compelling--the way he dresses, his eyes, the way he walks. He radiates sexual energy, is powerful to ignore--even if you don't like him. Often he has some wonderful talent that he pursues passionately, but he may not get any money for it. He may put his energy into music, art, writing, acting, or astrology, or he may put all his energy into his family. He enjoys sports, especially the more violent ones such as football or hunting.

In romance, no other sign brings such raw power or intensity to a relationship. The question is: how will this intensity be manifested? Will it be in a fury or jealousy? Will it be in fiery, unbridled passion? Take a chance and get involved with the mysterious Scorpio. The ever-changing Scorpio is highly compatible with its polar opposite-- the steady bull, or Taurus--but in an argument neither one will give in. Scorpios are also good matches for other Scorpios, as long as they understand each other's intensity and passion. Other water signs, such as Pisces or Cancer, may prove too weak for the intensity of the Scorpio.

In religion, the Scorpio tends to form bonds with organized religions, enjoying ritual and the sense of belonging there. They may also lean to unorthodox belief systems, with a passion and sincerity that is never dishonest. Because Scorpios are ruled by Pluto--the god of the underworld--they can sometimes have a connection with the ethereal, other world of spirit, which is often metaphysical. They have an ability to transform energy, or change impure selfish desires into the gold of purity. They are fascinated by the big issues of death and life, and are attracted to a religion that leaves room for exploring these.

Scorpios tend to have a few, very intense relationships, rather than a coterie of acquaintances. It may be that the Scorpio's stinger alienates some possible friends; it may be that fewer individuals are capable of flying so close to the sun, or so close to the deeper issues, as the Scorpio does. It may also be that few are capable of rising from its own ashes, of changing--for the good or bad--as a Scorpio can. How many can keep up, to view the new person constantly emerging? Yet it is true that those who enjoy watching the Scorpio as it makes people see the hidden, secret meanings of life--as it rises unscathed and transforms those around it--will be most loyal and appreciative friends.

Above all, Scorpios are survivors. Though they are typically very erotic (their sign rules the sex organs), they don't use people but instead help them transcend themselves. You probably won't forget an encounter with a Scorpio.

Sun in the Fourth House

A Sun placement here shines light on a person's roots--his or her home, family and early environment. A sense of security with relationships is very important, and establishing this security, or home, is of utmost importance. In terms of religion, this can translate to the establishment of the soul--all that which is hidden in the depths of the self. Many times, this placement connotes a sense of nostalgia with the past, where you may search for some kind of connection between your early life and the present.

Whatever the case, the vitality and self-expression of the Sun finds its best outlet here in creating a good home and happy family life, which includes children. While having children is very important, what type of parent this person is will depend upon his or her Sun sign--he or she could be bull-headed and fearless, if an Aries, or sensitive and shy, if a Cancer. Any affliction in Saturn could produce a parent who looks at his children as a burden, or gives too much discipline. Because the Moon rules here, creative energy can be seen in home decorations, sewing and other domestic activities. Early influences are also important, and an in-depth understanding of the background of your parents is very important before building a future home.

Most likely, this person will not be a world-traveler, preferring to stay at home. Self-protection is of utmost concern, and that includes the emotions. This person is quiet and mild, but if the Sun is afflicted in some way, the strong core may be weakened so that the outward personality has a "me first" mentality. There is a strong pull towards the mother in the early years, which may be difficult to cut later on. You typically gain through one or more of your parents, and your early life is usually a struggle with wealth coming later in life. You also have a strong interest in land and natural resources, and if some planets are afflicted, you may have an inability to get along with your parents or any "rules" of a house, treating them as if they were property rather than people.

Leo on the Ascendant, Aquarius on the Descendant

The showy, buoyant side of a Leo sun is present here, and you will likely have a magnanimous personality that may have a little more trouble finding an audience or expressing itself than a true Leo would. A Leo rising can have too much personality, or can assert himself too much on his unwilling listeners. The challenge is to find internal satisfaction by channeling your vibrant energies in a positive direction.

For a Leo rising, a person needs to find love, admiration and applause, and will likely seek these things in other people. This person needs to develop some kind of power in order to release his or her creativity into the world, thus he needs an audience in order to gain a sense of self. You must guard against being too showy, as the Sun which rules Leo needs to assert itself in order to come into being. A Leo rising needs to shine also, and its warmth can help heal others. However, this type needs to make sure it has something with which to project itself-matter is important here, not just style.

Though you are usually a leader, and are even hurt when not chosen for that position in a group, you are not necessarily a hard worker but gain your success by influencing people. Good luck surrounds you, giving you confidence with a belief in yourself. You attract both children and adults to your lovable and humorous ways, and can win over a crowd like a lion tamer.

People with Leo rising have a kingly attitude that can show the fault of too much pride, and they must find an outlet for their creativity or they could turn cynical or bitter. This placement signifies a nobility of character, a big-hearted nature, and a kind rapport with people. Your large nature prevents you from being petty or stingy, and you could even be gullible as you have a hard time believing the worst in people. You are motivated to express yourself in the best possible way.

Because the Sun, which rules Leo, is important in your birth chart, the qualities of your sun sign should merge well with Leo as your rising sign. The placement of the Sun can give you enthusiasm, power and warmth, a gift for self-expression, but it can also promote egotism, arrogance and snobbishness.

Before finding a partner you may experience some heartbreak. Likely you will settle on someone unique, who is different from you, yet this may take some maneuvering to find this person. You have a lot of love to give, but unfortunately you may always expect something in return. It's true you need appreciation, but try not to gloat once it's given. You will achieve a higher consciousness if you do not even expect it in the first place.

With Aquarius on the Descendant, your natural ego and tendency to promote the self is shadowed by an Aquarian urge to serve others and to fit into a larger society. Leo's passionate nature here needs to be tempered with the cool detachment of objective Aquarius.

Moon in Taurus

Since the moon connects us to our spirit, the moon in Taurus is a steadying influence--the emotional calm in the storm. This denotes that you are hard working, patient, and appreciate the finer things in life. Unfortunately, you can also be lazy, stubborn, materialistic, and unwilling to change. You have a nice midas touch, however, and are good at handling money and domestic matters. You are attracted to good things, and work well with the environment, perhaps even showing a green thumb--Taurus is a natural with the earth, and is in balance with nature.

More than anything, your calmness here means you do not like to argue. You frequently need time to be alone, to retreat to private space. The moon is particularly powerful in this sign. It is exalted, and permeates your need for security, conventional love, and other conservative aspects which may conflict with other parts of your birth chart. Your gift for emotional stability depends on the harmony of your attachments. You tend to be materialistic, enjoying money, comforts and belongings. Still, you are devoted and persistent in relationships and work, and once you do make a commitment you are loyal to the end. You can be charming, and have a love for beauty, but your pride can be an obnoxious weapon.

You are sensitive, have an even temper, until pushed too far, then you can blow up (the bull flares his muscles). Your great desire for security makes you good natured and you have an attractive personality, though you can become set in your ways. You must guard against being lazy, and against being so self-absorbed with your problems. Your worst fault is possessiveness, and have a sometimes obsessive adherence to convention. Although you have a very practical, common sense and stubborn approach to life, you may show flexibility in other areas of your birth chart. The moon here shows that you enjoy the "good life" such as good food, material comfort, and any beautiful luxuries that Venus is typically associated with.

Moon in Tenth House

Your reputation--what others think of you--is very important. You crave fame, and typically have an ability to govern large groups. Many famous people have their moon in the tenth house, associated with Capricorn. You are widely loved, even idolized at times, and show sympathy for people around you. There is a need for change or variety in your career, and you follow a definite direction in life.

You have a good sense of timing, with fluctuations in career, business, and employment. You have an innate ability to read public opinion, which helps you in your job. Women help you as you climb the ladder, and many times influence your career. With good aspects in Jupiter, you're prosperous; adverse aspects in Mars can indicate public scandel.

Your feelings are dominated by your desire for achievement. You are highly self-protective and work for the public. You achieve success through moon-oriented occupations, and most likely will change your career many times. You control your emotions and use your social connections to your advantage. Families with high standing are seen with this placement, and this moon frequently foretells of prominence in public life. These people are driven by a need for recognition and prominence.

Mercury in Scorpio

Quick, powerful and sharp, you are intensely secretive, with an aversion to commitment and an extremely perceptive mind. It's difficult to pin you down, and you know other people's weaknesses inside and out--you know where to strike. Mercury in this sign gives you a fierce acuteness of mind that is far-sighted, clear-sighted, overly critical, and freely passes judgments. Indeed, both the "I" of the ego and the sixth sense are developed here, making you an excellent secret service agent or undercover cop.

Your creativity is heightened, but it needs regeneration. You may also be "oversexed" if your total chart does not show some other mature development. Deeply intuitive, you are also suspicious, probing, with a mental need to perceive the hidden order of things, to pierce "order" and unveil the truth. Still, you can be sarcastic and wry, with a great spiritual core that seeks out greater depths of understanding. You can be self-centered, concerned only with gratifying physical desires. If you are overly determined, you can be scheming or even unscrupulous.

With this placement, Scorpio's intuition and intensity are combined with Mercury's logic and rationalism. You have determination, an investigative-like mind, and are a truth-seeker. This can lead to obsession if not properly monitored. Mercury is not very communicative in this sign, and is more inward-looking or catered towards self-analysis. This must be countered for a person to achieve success.

If you are a Libra, Mercury in Scorpio adds determination and a sense of purpose, and the indecisiveness will be lessened. Charm may be combined with scheming or plotting. If you are a Scorpio, you will undoubtedly have a double whammy of intense intuition and determination, giving you excellent intellectual powers and a fascination with mysteries. If you are a Sagittarius, Mercury here counters any dislike of detail, reducing the hasty attitude towards life and adding depth and less emotion.

Mercury in Fourth House

Mercury in the Fourth House, ruled by Cancer and the moon, gives you more of an attachment to home and domestic matters. Family is very important to you, and you may find yourself overly worrying about relatives. Sometimes this placement reveals a constant need to change residence or home, or the interior of a house. You are most likely unable to be content in one place for very long, and an inner conflict may prevent you from feeling totally secure at home. This is especially true if the sun and moon are in negative aspect to each other, indicating inner discontent.

Your mother has had a great intellectual influence on you, and you may be interested in doing your own research into the history of your family genealogy. You probably work outside the home, and your parents are most likely well educated. You may have a large library in your home, where you like to spend your time. This placement also shows an interest in the earth sciences or the environment, and you may find yourself worrying about the Green party or our earth's natural resources.

To an extreme, the restless Mercury coupled with Cancer's love for home could produce a homeless person, leading a nomadic life, roaming from place to place, perhaps living in a trailer. Or, you may be a business person constantly on the go, whether within your country or internationally. Whatever the case, there will be lots of intellectual activity and stimulation. You will find a way to stay connected to your family, and settle any disagreements through discussion.

Mercury here could produce someone who is high-strung, easily irritated, even someone who tends to nag. Try to guard against worrying too much about your home or family. Find a hobby that relaxes you, that can prevent the moon from causing so much moodiness.

Venus in Libra

Venus rules here, and is at home and at her best. In Libra, an air sign, Venus becomes refined, aesthetic, artistic, giving you a kind and sympathetic nature and a love of the arts, music and drama. People with this placing usually have happy marriages, with talented children. They earn money in the areas that Venus rules, such as the arts, and seek harmony in all relationships.

Young at heart, with direct and clear emotions, you are likely to express your ideas on a mental and spiritual level rather than just on one superficial plane. You may be easily hurt, but don't hold grudges, and have a good sense of color that gives you an artistic flair. Generally, this powerful placement of Venus gives people physical beauty that attracts the opposite sex. Everything ugly repels you. Marriage is usually important, and there may be many opportunities for marriage. You are most likely easy to get along with, have a strong sense of justice, and harbor an innate understanding of people. This is a good position for success in the performing arts.

Any romantic, affectionate or idealistic tendency you have will be increased here, because of Venus' influence. You may fall in love with love, due to your strong need for love. You will be discriminate, though, since to you true love is of the spirit (although that doesn't mean you are sexually chaste). You will fall in love too easily at times, since people will be naturally attracted to you. The Libra influence will give you much tact, diplomacy, and kindness and sympathy when listening to the problems of other people. However, you may need to work on resentment, indecision, or a desire to buy the affections of others.

If you are a Leo, this placement makes you more laid-back, generous, with a tendency to put your loved one on a pedestal; if you are a Virgo, Libra helps your shy nature to relax and enjoy love relationships, easing your critical side. You may have a flair for creative handiwork, woodcarving, or dressmaking. If you are a Libra, your whole personality is enhanced, though money may be spent extravagantly. Venus here adds a colorful, romantic side to Scorpio's intense passion, increasing sympathy and understanding of partners, and encouraging the warm expression of feeling. If you are a Sagittarius, a sense of romance will be added to your exuberance, and you will enjoy the relationship as much as the chase. You will also likely have an increased craving for financial security.

Venus in Fourth House

You have a general love of home and family life, enjoying entertaining in your home, and cooking for friends. Your home is usually a place of beauty, and you may achieve much happiness through your parents, usually by inheritance. A love of social contacts and an interest in people is usually associated with Venus in this house, and your optimistic nature will make you popular if Venus is well placed. You have a strong desire to own your own home, which will likely be fulfilled.

You may have a love of gardening, and frequently have an artistic nature. The later part of your life may be blessed, but there may be a disruption when your grownup children leave home. There may be a tendency to spoil your children, which may be left over from your own adoration of your mother. Whatever the case, you seek harmony in your home and go to great lengths to maintain it. You enjoy finding tasteful furnishings and decorations, and typically gain through property or land.

Mars in Sagittarus

The enthusiasm and energy of Mars is frequently distracted with this placement. You are likely quick, grasping concepts with lightening speed, while others are left spellbound by your easygoing attitude and expansive mind. You crave challenge, especially physically, and it is recommended that you exercise every day in order to channel your energy and release its flow. You are a perfectionist, wanting to improve your mind and body, but your flaw is that it is difficult for you to stay still for too long. You must work on your powers of concentration and discipline; hopefully they will show up elsewhere in your chart.

You have a need to try new things, and your interests are wide and varied. Watch that your energy doesn't get scattered in too many directions. You have a need for mental stimulation, with a strong motivation to succeed and also to enjoy life. You also enjoy sex and have a light attitude towards your partner; you want to have fun, and generally are not interested in a close, personal relationship that involves a heavy commitment. You need someone who can keep up with your brilliant flashes, someone who is independent enough to allow you to experiment in a daring and courageous fashion.

Though you will likely assert yourself honestly and energetically, you may be tactless at times due to your desire to keep true to some kind of belief system or morality. You get inspired easily and many times get carried away with some dream or plan, forgetting all the necessary details for achieving your goals. You are likely adventurous, restless and may get bored easily. Try to spend some time each week on self-reflection to work on your impulsiveness and spirited knee-jerk reactions to events.

Mars in Fifth House

Because the fifth house is associated with the fiery dramatic energy of Leo, Mars here adds a double whammy and likely gives you lots of creative energy and the ability to release that energy to its full expression, depending on how that planet is aspected. You are active, fun-loving, impulsive, with drive and energy to start projects. You also have a spirit of playfulness coupled with a desire to win, making you do things dramatically and with all your heart. This placement gives you a sense of power, identity, independence and an urge to create, along with a tendency to be impatient. At the same time, you are daring, like taking risks, and may be inclined to gamble or engage in other reckless activities. This placement means overindulgence; do yourself a favor and don't take on more than you can handle.

Strenuous physical exercise is recommended for you to release all that Martian energy, and you will likely spend many hours on sports. You also pursue love, romance, and lovers with INTENSITY--just like the spirit of the game. Be careful you don't scare others off, and remember that rash, passionate romantic affairs can injure you emotionally just as much as others. This placement also usually gives a person a very strong desire to have kids, and to foster creativity and independence in children.. However, you may find that the reality of having kids--the daily routine, busy work and details--is not as exciting as you thought. You may have a difficult time with children, or if you are a woman, with childbirth. However, your kids will likely have the same independent streak as yourself.

Jupiter in Sagittarius

The influence of Jupiter is expansion, and merged with Sagittarius one can see a highly philosophical and spiritual desire to know and understand the larger truths of life. Here is the eternal student, forever questing and searching for answers. This is a good placement for Jupiter, and likely the best sides of the planet emerge--qualities such as the ability to be carefree, outgoing, optimistic, generous, deep and farsighted. The negative qualities, such as narrowmindedness, are minimized here. Your life is broadened by this combination, which gives you a desire to travel and see the world, especially foreign cultures. You may have a flair for learning languages, or an appreciation of exotic food.

This lucky placement usually means success, especially in the areas of religion, metaphysics, law, and even finance; often money is gained through inheritance. Women will make good executives, and many writers and publishers also have this placement for Jupiter, which connotes good intellectual power and a desire to grow by following a goal--one's inner bliss. This is a happy sign, so relax and take advantage of opportunities for outer and inner exploration. Jupiter gives you general trust, optimism, and a philosophical approach to life; be careful that you don't overextend that energy and scatter your focus, or take too many risks in a careless manner. Be joyful and appreciative, but don't be blind. As you get older and wiser, you will appreciate more the gifts that Jupiter gives, and will likely become more grounded with a deep philosophical foundation.

Jupiter in the Fifth House

Jupiter's need for expansion combined with the house of Leo gives you great creativity and a desire to find fulfillment through artistic expression. You have natural talent and ability, and an infectious enthusiasm and vitality that enjoys taking the stage in most arenas of life. You make great friends, are a source of inspiration to others, and may have a tendency to show off or be dramatic. Still, your extremely creative side brings success to you and others, and you are able to have a good time even in the most difficult of circumstances.

However, your exuberance can be a double-edged sword regarding finances, since you can and will take risks with money. You may go on shopping sprees, or even be reckless and enjoy gambling; watch that you don't become obsessive. Jupiter can bring good luck through speculation or investments, but you need to learn moderation. Perhaps a Virgo or Taurus friend could help you here.

You are probably very happy in the area of romance, and enjoy the game of pursuit as much as the relationship itself. If Venus is positively highlighted in your chart, you will treat your lover like a queen (or king). Though you like to play, you have a real need to show your affection to your loved one; bashful is not a word in your vocabulary. You may have many love affairs, since you enjoy pleasure. However, you also enjoy children and will likely cultivate a genuine interest and rapport with them. You may gain comfort or fortune through them; conversely, they could bring you financial problems. Whatever the case, you will most likely expand your creativity through them and protect them, and they will grow up with a strong spiritual and philosophical foundation, and may even have a desire to grow and expand their horizons through travel.

Your vibrant imagination will be active in your spare time, where you will be busy with many hobbies or sports. You are good at having fun; you don't even have to try very hard at it.

Saturn in Virgo

The earthy qualities of Virgo matched with the cautious discipline of Saturn produces a combination here that is at best a workaholic--efficient, neat, detail-oriented, hard working--and at worst, a critical boss who could be an employee's worst nightmare. Lose the gloom and doom! Life's too short to constantly frown and get bogged down in all the trivia and worry that you spend your time with. You live too much by the rules, and although Saturn here adds a steadying influence with plenty of common sense, you probably lack self confidence and constantly undermine yourself with criticism and nagging insecurities.

What is most lacking here is a sense of humor. Where did you hide it? Your perfectionism may help you in some areas, but you need to learn to separate what is important from what is not. Learn to cultivate an intuitive approach to solving problems, as this will help you enormously in seeing the bigger picture. Your biggest problem is a lack of faith, not in your work, for you are constantly honing and perfecting your skills in an organized and disciplined way, but in a global approach to situations that leads to too much worrying and headaches. Your self confidence has likely been undermined at some point, causing shyness, which needs to be overcome or it can even lead to health problems. Try to fight against a pessimistic attitude by cultivating friends, exercising regularly, and getting in touch with your spiritual life through meditation or yoga. Your virtue is your true humility, achieved through your own efforts and helpfulness, and you enjoy sticking to a routine--indeed a sense of duty, a practical activity, is what gives you meaning.

Saturn here encourages caution and patience, already a Virgo trait, and you go the long route to find detailed and methodical solutions to any answers you seek. Your personality, if not poorly aspected elsewhere in your chart, will likely provide a haven of somber wisdom and practical reserve within the busy rush of everyday life. People need people like you. Be careful not to be too strict, demanding or critical with your co-workers, as you may gain a reputation of irritability or nagging. Keep to your principles of high standards and discipline, and learn to cultivate a sense of kindness and caring when dealing with all people.

Saturn in the 2nd House

This placement generally means there is a long, rough road for you to hoe in life, and nobody but you can do the job. Money and everything associated with it--wealth, land, riches--will be acquired very slowly, one penny at a time, and you will work very hard for all of the things you receive. If Saturn is well aspected, it is likely you will achieve financial security and success, although it is more likely this will happen later in life, after the age of 40, and only through the long and slow development of a disciplined work ethic. Your goal--to escape poverty--is always near and dear to your heart, always in front of you, and thus you seek tangible benefits through your own labor, and prefer to keep your money in the safest investments and most secure stocks possible.

You gain self-esteem and a sense of pride by being a "self-made" man or woman, by paying your way through college, by socking your money away for a rainy day, or by repaying a mortgage. The lessons of Saturn are usually learned the hard way, and here you may seem like an Old Miser, constantly frustrated over money, yet it is because of your obsession with it that you can achieve some kind of fulfillment through it. You may gain through inheritance, although it is likely you will not be lucky at winning the lottery, raffles or other types of monetary prizes (unless Jupiter is also in the second house). You prefer to earn your money the old-fashioned way, and tend to be very shrewd in business, frugal, yet can sometimes experience financial loss which makes you even more motivated to save up for the future.

Your biggest lesson here is to learn to share with others. There may be too much preoccupation with money and materialism, possessiveness, and not enough on what others close to you may want or need. Some astrologers believe Saturn here may even inhibit the flow of emotions, making it difficult to express feelings or to experience sensual pleasure. Other astrologers believe this placement means good luck in terms of real estate or other land investments.

Aquarius ruling the Seventh House

With Aquarius ruling the house of partnership you may find inconsistencies in your relationships, which may lead to difficulties in marriage or partnerships if not handled properly. Though you may have strong opinions you need to learn to become more unbiased to avoid clashes. You may choose a partner who is as individualistic as yourself; if you do both of you will enjoy and relish the freedom in your relationship. Still, remember that your partner may want only the feeling of being free, and still would like to belong in a relationship--as grueling as those limitations may be. Aim for mutual respect, adapatibility and admiration, and your end results will be a relationship built on tolerance and understanding--true Aquarian traits.

Uranus in Gemini

The planet Uranus spends a total of seven years in each sign, and hence has more of a generational influence on you rather than a personal influence. People who were born with Uranus in Gemini between the years of 1942-1949, like you, should exhibit some similar characteristics, such as a restlessness, originality, and versatility in that they can do many tasks at once, like to carefully think about different ideas, and may like to physically walk around a lot rather than sit still. These people also enjoy travelling, and enjoy meeting new people and discussing new ideas with them. They also like to pioneer their own new concepts, and can't stress enough the importance of education. Their main task is to find an outlet for their nervous energy, to communicate it verbally or through writing, or it can begin to border on the eccentric and strange. This energy can be found at the end of World War II and the beginning of the rebuilding effort that went on in Europe and Japan. In the U.S., the economy started its jittery recovery after the war officially ended in 1945.

Neptune in Libra

Because the planet Neptune spends about 14 years in each sign, its influence on each individual is felt more as a 'generational' influence here rather than as a personal effect. In other words, this mystical planet is said to affect trends in the collective unconscious and spirituality in the charts of peers who have this planet placed in a given sign. For people born with Neptune in Libra (1943-1957), like you, the effects of this planet are generally said to produce socially responsible individuals who are blessed with artistic talents, a compassionate nature, and a creative imagination that enjoys friendships and especially partnerships such as marriage. The spirit of Libra finds its fulfillment through beauty and harmony, and coupled with Neptune, this placement is a dreamy one of idealism, imagination, inner consciousness and an intuitive responsiveness to art and music, which changed form drastically during this time. This was the birth of the flower power generation of the late sixties and early '70s, and produced the hippies--people full of harmony, peace and love, yet also impractical wisdom and self-deceptive illusions. This generation also influenced the giant shifts in terms of marriage, divorce and attitudes towards partnerships in general.

Neptune in the Fourth House

Mystical Neptune coupled with intuitive Cancer's house gives you almost a psychic connection to the home and family. You may have idealized your parents as a child and hold emotional bonds with them that are spiritual in nature. On the other hand, this placement indicates there may be a skeleton somewhere in the family closet that doesn't 'come clean' until later on in your life. Indeed, you may be withdrawn in the latter part of your life in a conscious decision; you may enjoy being alone and find solace and peace through meditation.

Probably one parent held an unusually strong influence on you, so subtle and powerful that you find it difficult to separate from that role model; indeed, that parent may have been a magical person who was 'psychic' in her own right. You may have inherited that gift. Your strong emotional ties with the home will carry on into adulthood, unless Neptune is poorly aspected, in which case you may find it difficult to find a real home and may frequently move, and experience many changes of residence or some kind of domestic trauma. If that is the case, you could be prone to some kind of nervous disorder later on in life. Though you sacrifice much for the sake of a home, if your life is unsettled there, you will never be happy. Therefore you may have to delve deeply into your past to understand the source of your present unhappiness. Your home life will remain chaotic and undisciplined until you address your uneasiness.

You likely enjoy being near water, whether travelling by boat or living by the sea. Remember that you may have to learn the hard way right from wrong, but when you do, your peace will last a lifetime.

Pluto in Leo

Pluto is a mystery to many, and has a subtle, complex and deep influence on individuals. Astrologers are still trying to understand it today. Discovered in the 1930s, this planet has more of a collective effect on us rather than a personal one when travelling through the signs. It represents a form of extremely concentrated power, like a laser beam of light that can cut through the darkest storm. Unfortunately, it also has a dark side when utilized the wrong way to manipulate or control the masses. It can be a source of healing or a source of destruction, depending on how we tap into its energy, and its transcendental power is usually hidden in some way--perhaps deep in our psyche.

Pluto takes anywhere from 12 to 30 years to travel through each sign in the zodiac, thus affecting civilizations and generations rather than just individuals. It affected you because it was travelling through the constellation of Leo (1939-1957) when you were born, thus beginning an authoritarian era when leaders and dictators needed to have control over others--Hitler, Mussolini, Hirohito and FDR. For many countries, manipulation and ruthlessness dominated, until World War II ended in 1945. Pluto contributed to the rebuilding of Europe at the Yalta Conference, 1951-57, and also resurrected peace with the United Nations and the development of technology.

Parents born during this time probably were strong-willed and bore equally strong-willed children, though there may have been a tendency to dominate offspring or get into unnecessary power struggles with them. Though Pluto here may add a power complex to business dealings, it also puts emphasis on leisure, entertainment, adventurousness, and the baby boomers' tendency to 'show off' in their yuppie soul quest for security and style.

Pluto in the First House

Because Pluto's position within the solar system is different from all other planets--it is farther away and has a different orbiting pattern--astrologers tend to view it as an unconventional planet, with invisible almost "underground" energy that can emit subterranean forces which need to be channeled and controlled to be used effectively. It is said that the house in which Pluto is found can be a source of difficulty if that energy is blocked in some way, causing problems that need to be overcome or purged in order to get on with life. On the other hand, Pluto's placement in a house can represent the highest energy level an individual can achieve in terms of destiny and his or her relationship to a 'group consciousness' or life attunement. It can reveal the heights or lowest depths a person can reach, and can also determine how an individual uses or is used by its powerful energy.

Placed in the first house, Pluto can give you an almost compulsive, controlling tendency that wants to dominate others. It is likely you have a magnetic personality and attract people to you, and have no trouble making an impact on them, but you also may intimidate them with your forceful intensity. This may alienate people, especially those closest to you, such as marriage or business partners. Pluto here is similar to the sun Scorpio sign, with its deep emotional intensity and secretive desire to explore anything in-depth. It gives you an added strength, a nonconformist nature, increased zest, and a passionate sex drive. You likely have so much emotional intensity and such a need to express it that you feel like you must have an outlet to relieve yourself. Guard against cruelty if you don't get it. Work instead to release your energy flow and tap into Pluto's marvelous regenerative spiritual energy, which, like the Phoenix, can help you bounce back from tragedy or mishap time and time again.

Pluto here also has a primitive side that can be insecure, withdrawn, power hungry, sensitive and lack confidence. Remember that yours is a personality constantly in need of regeneration and renewal--if you are too withdrawn, you need to learn to come out into the world, and if you are too aggressive, you need to tame your temper. Your greatest lesson is on how to use your power, rather than be used by it, and how to use it constructively rather than destructively. Don't lower yourself to vindictive behavior by retaliating for every past hurt--let go of emotional scars. Instead, aim for a higher self that can be used as a force for healing. Pluto can help do this by dissolving the personality into understanding, giving you a willingness to serve in perfect humility an ability to act as a channel for the forces of light.

Elements

In your chart, we find that the FIRE element dominates. This hot, radiant energy gives you sunbeams of life, and you typically enjoy direct action, lots of physical exercise, busy movement, and ascertive expression and enthusiasm whenever possible. Though you may need water and earth to sustain you, and a breeze to fan your flames, it is from the light of the sun that you gather all your warmth and energy, giving it to others in a powerful burst of inspiration and dynamic rays that can even be overpowering if not channelled properly. You may insist on getting your view across, and impatience and insensitivity are not uncommon with fire types. You are generally very strong, high spirited, high-strung, but needing discipline and an audience in which to funnel your source of wisdom. Don't rush into things too quickly. People with much fire in their charts tend to get along well other fire signs, or with air signs, such as Aquarius, Gemini or Libra, who can stimulate them into action and get them to respond to problems with intensity. You probably need to learn to think slowly before jumping head or heart first into any plan, although you are likely self-motivated and a real go-getter. You may be an entrepreneur, constantly starting new projects with courage and energy. The ego is strong here, shouting out "I am here!", and seeking affirmation to all who will listen. People may not answer, but they see the light that you bring.

The second most frequent element found in your chart is the EARTH element. This element will also shape who you are, although its influence is not as strong as your primary element. This means that what primarily motivates you are material needs such as security, money, and having the ability to get by in the world by using your skills to support yourself. You are likely more practical than intuitive, preferring to use your five senses to take in necessary information rather than using a lot of airy theories or inspirational thoughts. You are probably regarded as a "real" down to earth type of person who is patient, disciplined, and who can find a niche or place in the world of work since it is important for you to survive, eke out a basic living, and meet the needs of yourself and your family. Though you are not forthright and assertive like the fire signs, you can speak out when you feel something endangers your security. You are efficient, dependable, conventional, and cautious, yet can be suspicious about people who seem to have their "head in the clouds" full of ideas, like the air signs. Of all the signs you trust the watery people the most, perhaps because they have the same self-protectiveness, depth and retentiveness you have. The only negative qualities of the earth element is that it can be too practical, lacking in imagination, narrow in its outlook, and addicted to a routine or order. Try to go beyond your own depth, to see beyond the structure of what is there, and to stretch your airy mind so it can deal more with abstract ideas and theories. This will open you up to the reality of the unseen world and add a wisdom to your practical, common sense approach to daily life. Your biggest lesson is to learn to let go of material things, for only by learning detachment can you learn to serve others.