So it’s the first Tuesday in November.

Sure I know that it’s a special day in the US, but for those of us here in Australia, it’s Melbourne Cup Day.

The Melbourne Cup is literally the race that stops a nation. Even parliament stops at 3pm (Eastern Daylight Savings Time). Is Australia the only country in the world who could stop everything for a horse race.

But then again, the natal chart of Australia (1 January, 1901 Swearing in of Federation) does have both Jupiter and Venus in Sagittarius- us Aussies love a beer and a punt.

This is also the day that every “mug punter” (Australian colloquialism for someone who has no flipping idea about betting, gambling or the rear end of a horse) come out to invest a few or a lot of dollars on a horse that carries their lucky number or their kids name or their favourite colours…or who just looks pretty.

Offices run sweepstakes and everyone who can’t get the time off to go to a “lunch” somewhere gathers in the lunchroom with platters of dips and biscuits to watch the race and yell for the name of the horse on their little slip of paper.

With an exalted 5^th house Jupiter I choose my race horses very scientifically- in a similar way to how I select my football teams. And really, what else would you expect from a 5^th house Jupiter squaring a 2^nd house Venus. Not to mention that trine across to Neptune which adds a wonderful set of rose coloured glasses to how I read my form guide. Yep I bring science to my gambling- horses are picked on the basis of names and football teams on which suburbs have the best coffee or where I would prefer to live.

For non astro peeps, this all means that I have aspects in my chart which could potentially point to over indulgences and excess risks (Jupiter square Venus) being taken- none of which is likely to be done under the influence of a clear and sound mind (Jupiter trine Neptune)! Suffice to say, I love a Casino & I love a horse race, but I resist both out of deference to my bank account and my sanity. Of course there are good things to these aspects, but that is not what this post is about!

So I cast a horary for the time of the race. It’s the one at the start of this post.

I use a method I read in John Frawley’s amazing Sports Astrology.

I take the 5^th house cusp and I move it anti-clockwise until it makes an aspect (a ptolemic aspect).

This is one “horary” where you can keep Uranus, Neptune and Pluto in the equation.

This is now where science comes into it. You scour the form guide for a horse that fits that planet by name association, or colour or number, or something else that’s completely accidental.

Using this method, the first aspect made is to Saturn in Scorpio. Then almost immediately, the Moon.

The Moon is trine Uranus, so I figured that could make the result unexpected. Then I saw the name of the horse Green Moon. Seriously, what is more unusual in a moon than if it happens to be green? So Green Moon was my choice.

Saturn in Scorpio was lurking around the edges.

Could it be Americain  who was running in the stars and stripes? A Moon/Uranus trine indicated (in my humble opinion) that the winner was unlikely to be a race favourite. So I went to the jockeys colours. Fiorente was racing in black silk with a purple sash- sounded very Saturn in Scorpio to me. So I put money on it too. A whole $5 each way on both horses…which came in 1st & 2nd. At good odds. Nice.

It was seriously that scientific. Using exactly the same technique, you may have come up with other names. Winning at the races has a great deal of luck attached to it. Today I got lucky.

I also always put money on the absolute outsider- for no other reason than that I’m a Pisces and I feel sorry for the horses no one else backs.

Now, before I go further, let me say, this horse race is generally the only race I throw good money on. My average outlay for the day is usually something huge like $25-$50. The usual fine print applies about betting only what you can afford.

The next chart I should’ve cast is one that will give me some sort of applying aspect between the bookies money and mine- an applying aspect between the ruler of the 8^th house and the ruler of the 2^nd would see the bookies money come to me.

I didn’t cast that chart simply because for me, Cup Day is about having a little fun. Profit is a nice side effect.

Now before I take any bows here, I made 2 glaring errors- errors that are quite typical of both my brain and the impending Mercury retrograde.

Firstly I should have cast the chart using Campanus house system. Most horaries are cast using Regiomontanus.

This makes a slight difference. The cusp of the 5^th is at 12 Cancer instead of 18 Cancer as it was under the chart I used.

This means that the 1^st aspect made was to the Sun… and then to Saturn and the Moon.

Who knows, given that the Sun rules Leo and the Moon was in Leo, I might have got to the same result anyway, but I can’t hand on heart say that.

Obviously there is so much more to this, so if you are interested, grab yourself a copy of Sports Astrology- it’s a great read.

Oh and the other race, the one in the US? I’m so not going there…

I was referred to this article in the Huffington Post this morning (thanks Stella).

Essentially it’s about the US elections and how this election day coincides with Mercury stationing retrograde.

The piece is by Eric Francis, and is a great analysis of just what can be expected from this astrological event. Have a read.

Just 2 years ago, a similar thing happened here in Australia.

I wrote about it here.

The chart, cast for 8am (when the polls opened on the East Coast of Australia) had both competitors conjunct.

As a horary, this was a beautiful chart to look at.

At the time I cast it as if it were a sporting event (hey, I’m an Aussie).

The two combatants are:

• The sitting Prime Minister Julia Gillard- Lord of the 1^st house (the planet that rules the 1^st house). I’m loosely a labour voter (that would translate to “liberal” or democrat in the US system), so if this were a sports horary, this would represent my team.
• The Leader of the Opposition, Tony Abbott- Lord of the 7^th house (the planet that rules the 7^th house). Mr Abbott is the leader of the Liberal party (in US terms, that is the right wing party…yes, I know it’s confusing…)

With Libra on the 1^st, Julia Gillard is represented by Venus, while Tony Abbott is represented by Mars (Aries is on the cusp of the 7^th).

This was even more appropriate for this particular election as Julia Gillard is a Libra Sun and Tony Abbott is a Scorpio Sun with an Aries Moon and, as an avid sportsman, is very much represented by Mars.

Further, for the first time, this election was being conducted along gender lines. The campaign itself was one of the most boring I have experienced, but that’s by the by.

There were 2 other important oppositions at play on this day- Saturn vs Jupiter and Neptune vs the Sun.

The outcome?

There wasn’t one.  Not for around 3 weeks…yep, not until Mercury went direct.

The Green party won more seats than they have in the past and awarded their preferences to the Labor party, yet even with these seats, Labor did not have a clear majority. For all intents and purposes, the result was a draw, with just a few independents holding the balance of power and eventually allowing Ms Gillard to form a government.

The Australian system of government is very different to the US model- and this blog is neither the time nor the place for a lesson in Australian politics. Having said that, I’ll be watching the US games with much interest.

Chart cast using Solarfire

Ok, we haven’t done a horary question on the blog for a while, so non Astro peeps, this is probably your cue to yawn loudly and turn away in boredom…

My friend (and yes, I have her ok to use this) is applying for a role that she is pretty sure that she wants. She is, however, already in a job so doesn’t want to waste too much effort on interviewing for something that she is unlikely to get and isn’t even entirely sure that she wants.

The chart is above. The first thing you might notice is that the outer planets are not listed- horary techniques do not use Uranus, Neptune or Pluto…and heaven forbid any of the asteroids would come into the picture. This is a quick, traditional technique- and those planets weren’t known at that time.

Secondly, I have cast the chart using the Regiomontanus house system. Why? Because John Frawley told me so, and William Lilly told him (well, metaphorically given that I have never met John Frawley and given that William Lilly has been dead for like ever, John Frawley has never physically met him either).

So, the main points.

The person asking the question (the quesitor) is Lord 1, ie the planet ruling the Ascendant. As the Ascendant is Cancer (incidentally my clients Sun sign), Lord 1 is represented by the Moon, which is in Capricorn. As an aside her natal Moon is also in Capricorn.

The job is represented by Lord 10, ie the planet ruling the 10^th house. As the 10^th house is represented by Taurus, Lord 10 is Venus. Given that Venus is in rulership in Taurus and is next to Jupiter, this job is very good!

To see if she will get the job I look for an applying aspect between the Moon (Lord 1) and Venus (Lord 10). If there is an aspect, she will get the job (all other things being equal).

The nature of the aspect will tell us how difficult the process will be. In horary we look only at the ptolomeic aspects ie conjunction, square, opposition, trine and sextile.

In this case there is an applying aspect, and it is a trine. She will get the job easily.

Taking this one step further, Venus in Taurus exalts the Moon, they want her…a lot (she tends to be quite highly sought after in her industry). The job likes my client- normally “the job” doesn’t care who does it. (You may find similar dignity in charts where the quesitor has been head-hunted or “encouraged” to apply for the role).

The Moon in Capricorn, however, is in the sign of its detriment. Not happy at all where she currently is- or at least ho humming along.

We look to the 7th for rivals. Aside from representing partnerships, the 7th is also “open” or declared enemies. Any competitor falls into this definition. If Lord 7 (Saturn in this case) also aspects Lord 10 and will perfect the aspect before my client, they will get the role. In this case Saturn makes no aspect to Venus. There is no serious competition.

What else?

Lord 11 shows the proceeds of the job, the pay. In this case, that is Mercury which is, as we know, retrograde. The money is not great, in fact she would take a small decrease initially, but there is a lot of prestige and huge exposure.

Frawley also comments that the North Node or a strongly dignified planet in the 10^th will be associated with fortune in 10^th house matters. Venus and Jupiter are conjunct very close to the 10^th house cusp, and Venus is in rulership. Need I say more?

Actually yes, if she does get the job before Mercury turns direct, she needs to check, recheck and check again the terms of whatever contract she is offered before signing.

The usual credit goes to the work of John Frawley and his wonderful books…If you are interested in Horary, grab at least “The Horary Textbook”, or “The Real Astrology.” Wanna have a go yourself? Astro.com (astrodienst- I haven’t put the full link here as it automatically picks up all my saved charts) can be used for free. The details entered should be for the moment the question is clear in your head and make sure you select Regiomontanus under the House System.

Photo Credit: wragg for istock

My new employer is a right bitch to work with (hence the title).

She’s demanding, controlling and between you and me, has some serious iss-ues. And you should see the KPIs (Key performance Indicators) and objectives that she has set me- performance review time will be interesting and should see me arguing for a space at the pointy end of the bell curve.

At least she has put me on notice well in advance that bonuses (in the form of travel and Italian shoes) will not be paid unless certain targets are exceeded. Given that those targets include finishing the manuscript that time forgot and pitching ideas for feature articles to editors who have never heard of me as well as all the health and fitness related goals listed in the extensive SLA (Service Level Agreement) I have signed off on, I will be a busy girl.

She has also asked me to start doing astrology readings again. So, I am…doing readings again, that is. Oh, I forgot to mention…that bitch of a boss? It’s me .

What can you expect from an astrology reading?

It is probably best to start with what you shouldn’t expect:

• I don’t do your “numbers”
• I don’t do tarot cards
• I don’t do palm reading
• I can’t talk to your dead uncle
• I have no idea who your guides are

There are some brilliant people in the market who do that sort of thing. If you are in Australia, a starting point for these services might be:

• Spellbox in Melbourne (my absolute favourite place)
• New Moon in Sydney, in the Hills district
• The Reading Room in Brisbane

Also, I won’t tell you things like “on the 18^th of April you will be lunching in a Greek Taverna in Santorini and meet a tall, dark & handsome stranger with whom you will fall madly in love and live happily ever after.”

What an astrology reading can do is help you understand yourself better- and that is a huge advantage in dealing with all of the crap that life throws at us from every angle.

Unfortunately most clients wait until they are in the middle of a crisis before reaching out for a consult. Knowing more about yourself won’t avoid that crisis, but it may assist you in your responses and understanding of it. Likewise, I won’t tell you what to do (I may suggest things that you shouldn’t do), but I will provide you with the tools to help you make those decisions for yourself.

In a general birth chart reading (for first time clients) we look at:

• the potentials and challenges presented in your birth-chart
• what makes you feel safe, secure and nurtured
• how you communicate, deal with change and manage stress
• how you love
• how you work
• where your talents lie
• what turns you on and off or scares you silly
• potential health issues

Essentially, astrology helps you make sense of life- it doesn’t give you something to blame and it doesn’t provide you with excuses, but it can and does help you see all the possibilities available to you. It is up to you and your free will to do the rest and make what you will of that potential and work with the challenges…or not.

I have a real passion for workplace and career astrology, and a birth chart reading helps you manage relationships at work, your stress levels, decision-making and helps you choose the job that is right for you.

We also look at the themes that will be coming through for you over the next 12 months and talk about what that might mean.

A general birth chart reading will last for 60 minutes. Feel free to let me know when you book if there is any particular areas of concern which you would like to talk about in more detail. Bring an open mind to the session.

Also available are year ahead readings. These are shorter sessions for repeat clients focusing purely on what themes are coming up over the next 12 months.

You may be interested in a relationship reading. These are also usually around 60 minutes, however focus purely on the relationship needs of each person in the relationship, and any potential points of joy or challenge. These sessions are more expensive as the pre-work is substantially greater.

Other stuff?

I also do horary chart readings. This is a traditional technique for single questions that can be scarily accurate. Responses are 500 words back to your email. Please please please don’t ask the question unless you want to hear the answer.

Types of questions? Anything really, but most common are:

• Will I get the job?
• Should I take the job?
• Should I stay (in this job, relationship, whatever)
• Does he love me?
• Should I buy the house?

Similar to horary is electional or pick a date charts. Ideal for deciding when to book that wedding, start that business, make that move. Again, responses are 500 words back to your email. Remember, no date or moment is absolutely perfect, but we can choose the best from what is available. This process involves me looking at your chart/s, the nature and objectives of the event and then choosing the most appropriate time from that information.

What do I need from you?

When you book your reading, I will need you to send me through your time, date and place of birth. The time of birth can make a huge difference in how and when certain events may occur, so as accurate as possible please.

The cost?

I am a professional, like any other practitioner, so charge by the hour. Please please please don’t ask me for a freebie, to me it is the same as your boss asking you to work for nothing or your hairdresser not charging you.

Expect to pay $100 for a 60 minute birth chart reading and $150 for a relationship session.

Given that I am just starting back, all birth chart readings booked during February 2012 will be just $80.

Horary questions are $100

Pick a Date charts can be complicated and time thieves, so please email me for a quote.

How to book?

Just send me an email. I am available Monday- Saturday for readings via the phone (in Australia) and skype (for overseas clients). For clients in Australia, appointments are available 9-5 Monday to Friday and 10-4 on a Saturday. For clients overseas, we will find a time that suits us both.

How to pay?

I take paypal (to jotracey@bigpond.net.au) or direct deposit to my bank account. For overseas clients, paypal only is accepted.

He loves me, he loves me not.

Remember the innocent days when you could work it out just by pulling the petals off a daisy flower…and then get another flower if you didn’t like the answer you originally got… and then another…

My friend (no names, lets call her “Jane”…and yes, I do have her permission to post this…) has been doing a little dance of sorts with a colleague (lets call him “John”) for the last couple of years. She feels that there is a definite connection between them, although neither has said anything to the other. There have been a few “almost” moments where either of them could have made a move and didn’t.

Her question is simple- how does he feel about me? The chart (below) was cast for the time the question was asked of me. ***Warning, astro technical speak and rather rambling horary follows***

Jane is represented by the ruler of the 1^st house (Lord 1)- in this case Jupiter (Sagittarius). In relationship questions the Moon (unless the Moon represents the person being asked about) is also given to the person asking the question- it shows where her heart is.

John is given the ruler of the 7^th house (lord 7)- in this case Mercury (Gemini).

In relationship questions only, the Sun (male) and Venus (female) are co-significators (if they aren’t already being used as Lord 1 or 7). This tells us about any sexual attraction.

So, looking at the question asked- What does John think about Jane?

Mercury in Cancer loves the Moon (rules Cancer) and is enthralled by Jupiter (Jupiter is exalted in Cancer). Not only does he have strong feelings for her, these are exaggerated- he probably has her on a pedestal of some type.

The Sun is also in Cancer and whilst he loves her, he has no real attraction to Venus. He isn’t turned off, but nor is he necessarily turned on by her. In short, his head and his heart are into her- in fact, Jane probably dominates his thoughts. Mercury is coming to the end of Cancer, so whilst he may still love her, the exaggerated nature of it will die down.

As for Jane? What does she feel for him? Her head doesn’t much care- Mercury in this chart represents friendship for Jane. Jupiter in Taurus has no real interest in either Mercury or the Sun in Cancer. Venus in Gemini is ruled by Mercury, so yep, she finds him pretty shaggable. As to the Moon (her heart)? The Moon is combust the Sun, ie within a few degrees of being conjunct the Sun- she is overwhelmed by him and can’t see or think clearly about him at present…but that won’t last. If he were to make a move now, it wouldn’t occur to her to do anything other than succumb.

The presence of Mars just inside the 7^th house, probably indicates someone else who is important in the situation, but given that the question asked only related to Jane and John, I have left that one alone.

Will they get together? Probably. The Moon is approaching a conjunction with the Sun…but this is not something she wants to know about.

Jane admits she knew the answers before she asked, but often it isn’t that straight forward in relationship questions as we project our own desires onto the other person. The horary asks the question for now- not as it will be or as it was- that is the subject of a whole new question. Can the horary be wrong? Nope. Can I be wrong? In this case, I truly don’t believe so J.

As with all questions horary, the message is not to ask if there is a possibility that you may not be able to accept the answer… which is one of the reasons I try very hard not to answer relationship horaries!

What will Jane do with this information? Now, that isn’t for publication…