The Astrological Elements and Herbs

The Astrological Elements and Herbs

The Astrological Elements and Herbs

We are all about astrology here on this site and, having said that, astrology does have a broader sense through which it can be appreciated.

I realize that there is a thin connection from the plant world to astrology, but, I’m trying to express how astrology can be used in everyday life and not just as a horoscope column to be read on a Friday night to see how the weekend will go.

Which is really an entry level use of the craft.

Planets and Plants have Similar Origins

Earlier I shared with you my interest in herb gardening in the posts astrology and herbs, gifts for astrologers and the sixth house and herb gardens and this hobby has been with me for many years.

Some of you will appreciate that to accept astrological themes into your life can enhance your experience and understanding of the symbolic nature of the planets.

Four Beds – for Four Elements

Herbs are a diverse group of plants which have much to offer the windowsill grower or the real sized garden plants person.

Gardeners who plant formal herbs gardens typically segregate them into sections in line with their strengths.

Not all herbs are used for the same thing.

There are basically four types of herb that you can grow in a herb garden and they usually grow in their own bed.

 

  • Medicinal – Fire signs
  • Culinary – Earth signs
  • Fragrant – Air signs
  • Indigenous – Water signs

Medicinal Herbs

The medicinal herbs are associated to the fire signs of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.

Medicinal herbs are at the root of all medicines we know today.

Examples of medicinal herbs are: Eyebright – for weepy eyes, mullein – used for bronchitis and the storax tree gum – used for coughs and cold remedies.

Culinary Herbs

The culinary herbs are related to the earth signs of Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn.

Culinary means you can eat them so all the herbs that can be used in cooking and meal preparation are culinary herbs.

Examples of culinary herbs are: Bay leaves in babotie, parsley typically as garnish, rosemary best with roast chicken and mint for mint sauce to accompany lamb.

Fragrant Herbs

Fragrant herbs are under the auspices of the air signs of Gemini, Libra and Aquarius.

Fragrant herbs are use for their smell and are often used in perfume, room cleansers and soaps.

Examples of fragrant herbs are: Jasmine, honeysuckle, lavender and rose all of which are the basis for the perfume industry.

 

Indigenous Herbs

Indigenous herbs are related to the water signs of Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces.

Indigenous herbs are those that naturally grow in an area and they can be home grown and they are different for each region.

Examples of indigenous herbs are: for instance, in South Africa the aloe Vera, in central and South America the cactus and in Canada the sugar maple.

Author Bio

Alison encourages you to explore your unique creativity and live a satisfying life through your personal astrology. She offers her insights from the heart and with a sense of humor.

Go here to read more about Alison’s story.

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Podcasting and Joe Rogan’s Birth Chart

Podcasting and Joe Rogan’s Birth Chart

Author: Alison Price   -   Published: March 2025 Podcasting In our latest Starzology Astrology podcast episode, Arwynne and I look at the astrology of podcasting. We also look at the natal chart of contemporary podcaster Joe Rogan. Podcasting Planet We discuss the...

Podcasting and Joe Rogan’s Birth Chart

Podcasting and Joe Rogan’s Birth Chart

Author: Alison Price   -   Published: March 2025 Podcasting In our latest Starzology Astrology podcast episode, Arwynne and I look at the astrology of podcasting. We also look at the natal chart of contemporary podcaster Joe Rogan. Podcasting Planet We discuss the...

The Mercury Retrograde Cycle

The Mercury Retrograde Cycle

The Mercury Retrograde Cycle

Mercury has more retrograde cycles than the other planets. Mercury goes retrograde three times each year. This occurs roughly at four month intervals and usually coincides with the same element for three consecutive retrograde periods.

Mercury is the planet closest to the Sun. It moves the fastest of all the planets. Mercury rules Gemini and Virgo.

All the planets except the Sun and Moon have retrograde periods every year. The exception is Mars which turns retrograde every two years. you can see that it affects many planets and that there is almost always one planet retrograde at any given time.

Mercury’s Upcoming Retrograde Periods

2023

During December 13th, 2023 to January 2nd, 2024 from 8° Capricorn to 22° Sagittarius.

2024

During April 1st to 25th from 27° Aries to 15° Aries.

During August 5th to August 28th from 4° Virgo to 21° Leo.

During November 26th to December 15th from 22° Sagittarius to 6° Sagittarius.

Mercury Retrograde Element Focus

Mercury’s current retrograde signs are mainly the Fire signs (Sagittarius, Aries and Leo) for 2024.

 

The Mercury Retrograde War Cry!

“Go back, go back, go back to the woods.

You haven’t, you haven’t, you haven’t the goods. 

You haven’t the spirit, you haven’t the jazz… 

You haven’t the moves that Mercury has!”

Pop Culture and Mercury Retrograde

As the details of Mercury retrograde permeate through to the general public the words, “Mercury retrograde” become a catch phrase and is diluted down into basic, and often most inflammatory words. You will hear things like, “don’t buy computers, cars or phones when Mercury is retrograde.”

Well yes, certainly those things can be said, but astrologers know there is a more subtle effect to the apparent reversal of direction for the innermost planet.

Your Natal Mercury Condition

As with all astrology good forecasting and interpretation for yourself hinges on your own chart. If you have a well-placed and robust Mercury you will withstand the influence of Mercury retrograde (or any retrograde depending on the planet) and still be standing as other folds under their weaker Mercury placements.

A broad generality is like saying, “All cars reverse (or back-up) badly” when really it is more that, “some drivers can’t reverse very well.”

You know yourself that you are better at some things than others and certainly you will do some things way better than anyone else. So saying we all suffer the same way when Mercury is retrograde is simplistic.

If you have Mercury retrograde in your birth chart you will withstand the negative effects of any Mercury retrograde period now and in the future.

How Retrogrades Affect Your Chart

Whichever house in your natal chart this retrograde occurs will be the area of life that is affected.

For example, if this Mercury retrograde period occurs in your fourth house then you will revisit family and home issues and you will need to go back and attend to them as drains, leaks and plumbing come to mind.

If Mercury retrogrades in your seventh house, your marriage will need further discussions and conversations and yes it will be about dragging up past issues (like affairs) to be once aired again as these things just won’t stay buried.

 

The Illusion of Aparrent Retrograde Motion

Retrograde motion is the apparent backwards movement of a planet.

The analogy I use when I’m teaching a class is that when you are on a train moving forwards then another train pulls alongside going at the same speed, if the second train slows down it appears to be going backwards, although it is still moving forwards albeit slower than your train.

This is an optical illusion and clearly demonstrates planetary apparent retrograde motion.

 

 

Read more >>>  Mercury retrograde and Job seeking.

Author Bio

Alison Price: Astrology Coach

Alison wants to help you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor.

Learn more about Alison’s journey.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

More Articles

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Your Gauquelin Sectors

Your Gauquelin Sectors

Author: Alison Price   –   Published: July 2013   

Your Gauquelin Sectors

Advanced Chart Technique

On your astrology journey there are many avenues of knowledge to wander down.

Once you have the first twelve months of study under your belt, where it is all about the signs, houses, planets and aspects, continuing to study astrology opens up like a fan into a whole new world.

I often relate learning astrology to the medical profession where, everyone is a doctor (who knows the basics and can save your life) but some of them continue into speciality fields such as dermatology, neurosurgery and anesthesiology.

The analogy here is that all astrologers can interpret your chart (and most are very competent) but some continue to learn new techniques and gain more knowledge even if it is simple small pieces that can be used to tweak their readings and become more detailed in their interpretations.

To my mind using the Gauquelin sectors fall into the “nice to have” skills of any astrologer.

Two Main Gauquelin Sectors

There are two Gauquelin sectors in every chart.

They span a section of the zodiac which is different for every chart.

There is your Ascendant Gauquelin sector and your Midheaven Gauquelin sector.

Not every chart has planets in the Gauquelin Sectors, but if your chart does then those planets are important both in natal interpretation and forecasting work.

 

Explore more >>> The Ascendant

People in Astrology Michel Gauquelin (1928 – 1991)

A French husband and wife team Michel and Francois Gauquelin originally set out to disprove astrology and ended up creating the most in-depth proof for astrology.

Their most famous research is known as The Mars Effect.

Briefly, they checked hundreds of charts to see if a particular planet was prominent, or on the ascendant or Midheaven, of people who had the same job.

 

How to find your Gauquelin Sectors

The Gauquelin sectors cover ten degrees of the zodiac on both sides of your ascendant and your Midheaven for a total of twenty degrees each and forty degrees in all.

Both sectors together cover one ninth of the 360° wheel.

 

Example 1: Say your Ascendant is at 15° Gemini then your ascendant Gauquelin sector spans from 5° to 25° Gemini.

Example 2: Say your Midheaven is at 2° Aries then you Midheaven Gauquelin sector is between 22° Pisces and 12° Aries.

 

Gauquelin Sector Planet Houses

Planets in your Gauquelin sectors are usually in the first, twelfth, ninth and tenth houses.

 

Explore more >>> The Houses

 

Gauquelin Sector Planets Conjoined the Angles

Planets in a conjunction aspect (orb 8°) to your Ascendant and Midheaven are automatically in your Gauquelin sectors.

Example Chart – Justin Bieber

Birth data 12:56am, March 1st, 1995, London, Ontario, Canada.

 

Ascendant Gauquelin Sector

Bieber Ascendant is at 29° 02′ Scorpio therefore his Ascendant Gauquelin Sector is from 19°02′ Scorpio to 9°02′ Sagittarius.

 

Pluto

Pluto is in his Ascendant Gaquelin Sector.

Note that Pluto is also conjoined the Ascendant so it will automatically be in his Ascendant Gauquelin Sector.

Midheaven Gauquelin Sector

Bieber’s Midheaven is at 15°25′ Virgo so his Midheaven Gauquelin Sector is from 5°25′ Virgo to 25°25′ Virgo.

 

Chiron

Chiron is at 05°48′ Virgo so the Wounded Healer is in his Midheaven Gauquelin Sector.

Also note that Chiron is NOT conjoined the Midheaven.

Chiron is a true Gauquelin Sector planet and needs careful consideration when interpreting this chart.

Ascendant Gauquelin Interpretation

Planets in your Ascendant Gauqueline sector typically:

 

  • Show how others see you through the urges of the planet.
  • Can be a rising planet.
  • Are stronger when applying to a conjunction to the Ascendant.
  • Are weaker when separating from a conjunction to the Ascendant.
  • Are highly prominent planets.
  • Are high profile planets.
  • May easily be the strongest in the chart.
  • Will affect yoru appearance.

Midheaven Gauquelin Sector Interpretation

Planets in your Midheaven Gauquelin Sector typically:

 

  • Indicate how the world sees you through the urges of the planet.
  • This planet may be the most elevated planet.
  • May be conjunct the Midheaven.
  • Are strong when applying to the Midheaven.
  • Are weaker when separating from the Midheaven.
  • Suggest a career in line with the nature of the planet.

 

If there is more than one planet in these sensitive areas of your chart they have to be interpreted in a blended way as they will all influence you from their position in the Gauquelin sectors of your chart.

Advanced Topics

Here are some more advanced natal topics which you may enjoy.

 

Author Bio

Alison Price: Astrology Coach

Alison wants to help you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor.

Learn more about Alison’s journey.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

More Articles

If you enjoyed this post, you may like some more astrology related articles from our blog.

 

T-squares

T-squares

In astrology, a T-square is a major aspect pattern in many charts. It consists of three planets, two opposing and a third square both.

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2nd House Planets

2nd House Planets

Author: Alison Price   -   Updated: March 2025 Planets in the Second House Active Tenants The placement of planets in the second house will always influences your relationship with money, possessions, and personal values. Each planet brings its own energy, to shape...

Your Most Elevated Planet

Your Most Elevated Planet

Most Elevated Planet

Author: Alison Price   –   Published: July 2013 

Most Elevated Planet

Only one planet is the Most Elevated Planet. In your chart there will be one planet that is the most elevated planet.

This special planet is the one near the top of the chart. It is the planet that was highest in the sky at the time of your birth.

Not all most elevated planets are made equal and in some charts, they will be stronger than in others.

If you have a well placed most elevated planet you can use it towards supporting your career, reputation and public image.

 

 

How to Find Your Most Elevated Planet

The most elevated planet is the planet closest to the Midheaven (MC) in degrees of longitude on either side of the MC.

The MC is the intersection between the prime vertical and the plane of the ecliptic.

The most elevated planet is frequently in the ninth or tenth houses or close to the Midheaven, but can be in any house in the chart.

 



Singleton by Hemisphere 

If the most elevated planet is a singleton by hemisphere, in the south, it has extra strength. 

Disposes the Midheaven and is Most Elevated

If the Midheaven is in a sign which is disposed by the most elevated planet (by essential dignity) it gains weight.

Rulership and exaltation of your Midheaven add to the power of your most elevated planet.

Detriment and fall reduce the effect of your most elevated planet.

 

Examples If your Midheaven is in Libra…

  • And if the most elevated planet is Venus, it will add power to the most elevated planet because Venus rules Libra.
  • Additionally, if your most elevated planet is Saturn, it will add weight to the most elevated planet due to the fact that Saturn is exalted in Libra.
  • As well as if your most elevated planet is Mars, it will reduce the power of Mars as the most elevated planet as Mars is in detriment in Libra.
  • And if your most elevated planet is the Sun, it will reduce the potency of the most elevated planet because the Sun is in it’s fall in Libra.

 

 

The Nature of Your Most Elevated Planet

As the MC is the most elevated point in your chart any planet is measured for most elevation in relation to your MC.

Therefore any connection between the MC and the most elevated planet by aspect reinforces the potential of the most elevated planet in your chart.

The Midheaven shows for what the world knows you.

Any planet connected to the Midheaven (as in a conjunction, sextile or square) will influence this.

What this means is, if your most elevated planet has an aspect to the MC then it gains weight or power in your chart.

 

In Aspect to Your Midheaven

If your most elevated planet is in aspect to your Midheaven it supports the meaning of the planet.

If it is not in aspect to your Midheaven it has a neutral influence.

 

Conjunct your Midheaven

This is the power position for the most elevated planet as it could not be more elevated than the Midheaven.

Any planet conjoined your Midheaven will be a huge focus in your life.

Almost as if it is lighting the way for you like a torch. When the most elevated planet is conjoined the MC think star over stable in Bethlehem.

 

Sextile your Midheaven

A most elevated planet sextile the Midheaven will work together with the meaning of the Midheaven and support the nature of the Midheaven.

Planets is this position usually indicate latent talents which can be utilized by the Midheaven for your career and public image.

 

Square your Midheaven

When your most elevated planet is square your Midheaven it is in an aspect of tension.

However, this is an aspect where progress is strived for, in the nature of the most elevated planet.

This will not always be easy, in fact it can be difficult at times, but squares will always be on the front burner of your chart.

Example Chart: Tony Robbins

In this example chart for Tony Robbins Uranus is the most elevated planet.

tony-robbins-birth-chart

Weaker Below the Horizon

Depending on the latitude of your birth place, sometimes the most elevated planet can actually fall below the horizon.

That is under the ascendant/descendant axis or in the northern hemisphere of the chart.

Although the planet will still be most elevated it loses much of its potency when it is below the horizon.

In this case it can be dismissed as a strong influence on the MC.

Generally a most elevated planet works well for you if it is high in the chart, aspects the MC and disposes the Midheaven by rulership.

Not all most elevated planets will benefit you.

If you do have a well placed most elevated planet it makes sense to work it to your advantage as best you can for career, reputation and public image.

 

Measure Your Most Elevated Planet

Use the quiz below to measure the strength, or not, of your most elevated planet.

most-elevated-quiz

Author Bio

Alison Price: Professional Astrologer

Alison helps you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

More Articles

If you enjoyed this post, you may like some more astrology related articles from our blog.

 

T-squares

T-squares

In astrology, a T-square is a major aspect pattern in many charts. It consists of three planets, two opposing and a third square both.

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Learning Without Tears – Book Review

Overview

Discover how the Mercury Model (TM) can: 

  • Identify a child’s unique learning style
  • Unlock a child’s true potential
  • Turn tension into talking

Buy this book on Amazon.


Introduction

Of all the astrology books I have had the pleasure of reviewing over the years Learning Without Tears is in a class of its own. Connerr takes the Mercury archetype, well known by astrologers, to a new level.

The author does not complicate the information being presented with an excess of technical terms, words and astrologese. She specifically uses regular dialogue to get her message across to the layperson.

There is the option to skip the detailed astrological explanations, if you wish to clearly focus on the child’s learning style, and not where it originates. With this brilliant approach the author has subtlety woven birth chart features into mainstream education which is directly aimed at parents and teachers.

We often hear the lament that astrology is not taken seriously by science. It is portrayed as the poor relation to astronomy and psychology. This fact was brought home to us during the 2011 online heated discussions. Here lies the beauty of this original book from an astrologer’s point of view. The author has parlayed astrology, and its centuries old traditions, into mainstream educational thought even perhaps without its detractors noticing.

 

Three Parts

This book is divided into three parts.

Part I – Individual Learning Styles and How They Interact

In the first section she discusses each of the twelve possible learning styles and how they manifest in every child. Presented with colorful animal characters clearly identifying each role.

Areas of similarity and difference are brought out in a subset by the style groupings and divisions which are easily recognizable to the astrology student as polarity, quadruplicity and element.

Connerr presents some real life parent and child scenarios and the resolutions are provided using the Mercury model.

We are challenged to explore our own learning style as parents and to consider how we default to that particular method by personally giving it preference and value

 

Part II – Variations and Background

She discusses how features in the whole nativity can influence each personality and provide modifications. Then goes on to explain the extraction of the essence for each Mercury archetype during individual analysis.

 

Part III – Identify a Learning Style

The author provides yearly assessment tables (Mercury ephemeris) to discover each persons learning style.

 

The New Physics and Essential Mercury

Helyn Connerr MSc is well qualified to write this book. Her background is impressive and she has studied astrology for over thirty years. She brings a scientist’s mind to an astrology problem.

Believing you can observe the energy principle of Essential Mercury in action and watch its effects, she discusses how the principles outlined are shown by planet, element, music, animals, literature, esoterica and the physical body. That Mercury, as an information receptor, is inherent in how we live, breathe and perceive.

 

Final thoughts

Although this book is aimed at educators, parents and children, one wonders if astrology teachers, when using this method, will find their students benefit and grasp new information in a way each learner can assimilate.

It is quite apparent that we retain our learning style throughout life. If as grown-ups, we choose to embark on further study, we will benefit by aligning ourselves with our own Mercury model.

This simple practice would enhance the adult education process. Rather than thinking, “I’m too old to learn this” perhaps we need to open up our minds, because, obviously we can learn if we are presented and communicated information in a way we each can appreciate

Learning Without Tears comes highly recommended for students, parents and educators.

 

The Yod: Major Aspect Pattern

The Yod: Major Aspect Pattern

Some students may think it is odd

to work with the finger of God.   

One sextile and two

quincunxes to view

and now we all call it a yod.

The Yod Limerick

Most of you are probably wondering what the heck this limerick is all about.

Let me explain.

A Yod is an astrological major aspect pattern sometimes found in birth charts.

It comprises of one sextile aspect (blue line) and two quincunx aspects (green lines).

 

Yod Bearers

An aspect is an imaginary line drawn between two planets in a horoscope.

People who have a yod in their charts are known as Yod Bearers as it indicates there are burdens that need to be carried through life.

The image is that of an isosceles triangle where the short side is 60 degrees and the two equal longer sides are 150 degrees.

The shape is somewhat reminiscent of an arrow or finger pointing thus the nickname of The Finger Of God. It is also referred to as the Finger of Fate.

In chart interpretation the area of life that the yod is pointing at is highlighted and becomes an important focus for that person.

 

The Yod Major Aspect Pattern

A Yod is an astrological planetary configuration also know as a major aspect pattern which is formed when three planets line-up in a particular way.

A Yod is an aspect pattern composed of one sextile and two quincunxes. It looks like an isosceles triangle with one short side and two equal length longer sides.

A yod looks like a triangle. But it is different to a grand trine, T-square or a Thor’s Hammer because of the aspects it contains.

In the example chart of Margaret Atwood, she has a Neptune Yod with the Moon and Saturn as the base planets.

The Aspects in a Yod

Sextile

A sextile is an aspect 60° wide or two signs. The orb for a sextile is 4° degrees.

It is an aspect of ease and it suggests your latent talents.

Quincunx

A quincunx is an aspect 150° wide or five signs.

The orb for a quincunx is 2°.

It is an aspect requiring constant adjustment and causes mild irritation.

 

How to Interpret a Yod

The broad stroke with interpreting yods is to look at the one planet being quincunxed (the green lines) by the other two.

This is known as the focal planet and is a sensitive spot in the zodiac which will be reflected in your chart by the house placement.

  • Pay special attention to the focal planet and interpret it thoroughly. Check the essential dignity of the planet and its condition.
  • Look at the house or the area of life that is bringing pointed to.
  • Look at the sign that the focal planet is in, this shows the type of energy that the focal planet can express.
  • The two planets in sextile are the support for the yod and offer up their energy and qualities to the focal planet.

 

Double Yod Key

If there are two yods lying side by side (so four planets and three quincunxes) then it is known as a “double yod key”.

This will reinforce the general meaning of the yod for the person.

What to Consider in a Yod

The focal planet at the end of the quincunxes, is the most sensitive planet as energies flow to it from the two other planets.

The two planets in sextile are known as the base of the yod and work together harmoniously.

The planetary ruler of the sign of the focal planet is important.

Interpretation of a Yod

Charts with yods suggest the person is independent and driven.

Due to the nature of the quincunxes they can be constant and unchanging but fraught with the constant adjustments demanded. T

his person may experience a crisis of energy and find they are constantly battling to stay on track.

There is a certain spiritual element to this pattern and these people can be lofty.

The meaning of the house and sign of the focal planet points (as the pointed in the shape) to the issues that need addressing in this person’s life.

Starzclass

Aspiring Astrologer Activity: Yod

In your astrology journal and referring to a chart with a yod major aspect pattern, please do the following:

  • Name the two aspects that form a yod, their angles and orbs.
  • Note the three planets involved.
  • Name the focal planet.
  • List all the individual aspects that make up this yod.

Extend Yourself

  • Write a brief interpretation for the sextile aspect and consider the two planets, houses, signs, and the aspect (100 words).

  • Write a brief interpretation for the first quincunx aspect and consider the two planets, houses, signs, and the aspect (100 words).

  • Write a brief interpretation for the second quincunx aspect and consider the two planets, houses, signs, and the aspect (100 words).

Extend Yourself Further

  • Write a detailed interpretation of the yod incorporating the meaning of the individual aspects and try to weave a comprehensive interpretation (250 words).

Venus Square Chiron

Venus Square Chiron

When VENUS squares CHIRON it can create a lot of inner tension that can be really painful for people – Starzology Astrology Podcast.

Podcasting and Joe Rogan’s Birth Chart

Podcasting and Joe Rogan’s Birth Chart

Author: Alison Price   -   Published: March 2025 Podcasting In our latest Starzology Astrology podcast episode, Arwynne and I look at the astrology of podcasting. We also look at the natal chart of contemporary podcaster Joe Rogan. Podcasting Planet We discuss the...

Kamala Harris Birth Chart

Kamala Harris Birth Chart

Author: Alison Price   -   Published: August 2024 Kamala Harris Chart Interpretation Introduction This is a high level overview of the birth chart for Kamala Harris. It is part of the charts that we're looking at for the 2024 United States election. And she is the...