- Weekly Astrological Forecast for February 24 through March 2, 2025Continue reading →
February 24 through March 2, 2025
Our most productive day of this week will be on Monday under the Capricorn Moon, so tackle any jobs that just "have to be done"! The Moon travels through Aquarius on Tuesday and Wednesday, and thanks to the Pisces Sun, could herald a few days of chaos or unexpected change. Our best defense will be to practice a lot of patience and even more flexibility to get through this cycle. Thursday carries the energy of a Pisces new Moon, encouraging us to take up new ventures as it opens the door to greater insight and inspiration for the next two weeks. The Moon will spend the weekend in Aries, encouraging us to get busy! Whether it's time to start that "spring" or "fall" clearing out, or getting away for a spontaneous 2-3 day trip, we'll be charged up and ready for action. Venus will turn retrograde on Saturday and spend the next six weeks asking us to revisit, revise, and rethink all the things and people we treasure and hold dear. This is also a cycle where past loves or old friends can re-emerge out of the blue, making for an interesting few weeks!
- 4 Reasons There Is No Such Thing as a “Bad Match” in AstrologyContinue reading →
4 Reasons There Is No Such Thing as a “Bad Match” in Astrology, by Desiree Toby Antila
(Article originally published in The Llewellyn Journal.)
We have all heard it before: "I can't date them, because they are a Gemini." More and more, people are generalizing the sun signs of others before giving them a chance. We have heard time and time again that Trine and Sextile couples are the most desired matches, but are they? Today, many couples are looking for their equal and someone who challenges them to be a better version of themselves. Just because one person wants a companionship that is "easy" does not mean that that is what everyone desires. Some of us prefer to have a partner that ruffles our feathers and acts as a mirror for us to see ourselves for who we truly are—someone who pushes us to reach a higher state of self-actualization.
In my book, Sun Signs in Love, I state that "There is no such thing as a bad match in astrology, and to base that belief on simply looking at sun signs is like judging a book by its cover. You are not destined to fail because you have some more 'difficult' aspects in your synastry. All relationships are difficult, and all relationships have beauty and lessons to be learned. Astrology is meant to be used as a device to assist bringing you and your partner clarity in areas of opportunity and to show the splendor between your unique compatibility."
Astrology acts as a tool for us to better understand our partner through by understanding how your elements blend, your modalities collaborate, and how your love aspect vibes. Through those three mediums is how you get a deeper understanding of how to utilize the effective parts of your relationship and how to strengthen the areas of opportunities. Each relationship and couple are completely unique, being comprised of several variables. Astrology gifts us a way to untangle the knots and allows us to understand our partner on a new level creating space for compassion.
Continuing with this theme, here are four reasons why there are no "bad" matches in astrology.
- Chart Types
There are two types of charts you can use when looking at compatibility—synastry and composite. A composite chart reveals a relationship's astrology by using the midpoints of two birth charts while a synastry chart helps one understand a relationship's compatibility by overlaying two birth charts. Both are great ways to understand the energy of a match, but I personally prefer synastry. I find that synastry charts hold more information and personalization into not only how each of the individuals feel about the relationship, but also how the energy flows between the two. Synastry charts are downright juicy. In my book I quote, "Synastry between all of the planets is crucial to understanding the overall vibration between individuals. Synastry is defined as a way to determine a couple's likely compatibility and dynamics through comparing their natal charts by overlaying them on one another." There is so much complexity and beauty in each synastry chart, and there is always strength and beauty to be found in every single match—making your unique relationship chart the first reason why there is no bad match. - Aspects
When people are denoting a "bad match" in astrology, they are most likely to be referring to the aspect. The stereotypical "unfavorable" aspects are square, semi-sextile, and quincunx matches. The ones that can go either way are the conjunct (same sign) and opposing signs. However, after conducting hundreds of synastry chart readings and observing astrological relationships for over 20 years, I kindly disagree. It is an astrological fact that when there are too many trines in a chart, things become so easy that the energy becomes lazy. Just as in life, there should be a natural ebb and flow to everything, and of there is too much ebb or too much flow the relationship becomes unbalanced. In Sun Signs in Love, I dive deeply into all seven aspects and how they can meld their energies for harmony. For example, Quincunx couples have quite literally nothing in common astrologically. They do not share an element, a modality, or polarity. However, Aries and Scorpio (a quincunx match) share ruling planet Mars, making their physicality a way for them to connect. There is always a way for the signs to connect through the stars—you just have to find a way to get there. There is beauty, strength, and opportunity in every aspect, even the "good ones," making aspects the second reason why there is no such thing as a bad match. - Elements
After the aspect, the element is the next reason people will brush off a potential love match. You will hear things like, "I can't date a water sign; they are just too emotional for me." Most people will say that and then not even realize that they themselves have a stellium in a water sign. Yes, blending some elements can be tricky, but if done correctly makes for magnificent combinations of love. An example of a delicate blend is water and fire. If there is too much water it puts out the flame, too much fire it evaporates the water, but with just the right amount, you find a nice steam. Finding balance between all four of the elements when being combined is another key to a harmonious partnership. Even the trine pairs (same element) must be careful when combining their equivalent element because too much of something is never a good thing. As I note in Sun Signs in Love, "When water meets water, there is no resistance, causing things to flow into a stream of enlightenment. However, too much water can create a flood that drowns all life around." Being conscientious and respectful of the power that each element harnesses is crucial. Furthermore, learning how to successfully blend them makes you an unstoppable combined force, which is why your elements are the third reason why there is no bad match in astrology. - Modality
Learning how to communicate with you partner is one of the hardest, if not the hardest, things to do in a long-term partnership. However, astrology offers a way to assist in understanding your partner's communication style through the methods of modality. In my book I state, "Modality is defined as a way in which something occurs, is experienced, or is communicated." Traditionally, cardinal signs have a more direct way about their communication, fixed signs are more introverted and methodical, while mutable signs are the mavens of communication and the chatterboxes of the zodiac. Astrology states that square, opposed, and conjunct couples are a more "difficult" love match, yet they share the same modality, making their communication style similar in fashion. Wouldn't you consider that to be a good thing? I certainly do. For example, Gemini and Virgo are square to one another and while their elements may not blend as easily, they are both of mutable modality and share Mercury as their planetary ruler—the planet of communication. Have you ever met a Gemini and Virgo couple? They connect through conversation in the most beautiful fashion. In my Gemini & Virgo chapter of Sun Signs in Love, it says, "Gemini enjoys how the virgin charms them by firing up their mind in such fascinating conversation. They banter like two evenly talented opponents in a heated tennis match—with a new winner every time." This makes modality the fourth and final reason why there is no such thing as a bad match in astrology.
If you are wanting further insight into what makes your astrological love match wonderful and special, I encourage you to grab a copy of Sun Signs in Love for a deeper dive into all of the magic that synastry has to offer. As I say in the book, "The intent and takeaways of [Sun Signs in Love] are to find seeds of wisdom to make your love stronger, to understand yourself and your partner on a deeper level…" I hope that is what you find—a way to create more compassion and understanding for your partner. Because let's face it: relationships are hard. No matter where you are in your love story, finding love and obtaining it is always a challenge. However, if used in a constructive and positive manner, astrology is here to make love a little easier.
Article originally published in The Llewellyn Journal. Copyright Llewellyn Worldwide, 2022. All rights reserved.
- Chart Types
- Double Vision: Spell or Meditation for Manifesting Friends?Continue reading →
I just learned to meditate, and I'm working on manifesting the things I want via the law of attraction. Do you believe if I tell the Universe what I want and imagine it happening, it will come true in reality? If so, is there some spell, affirmation or meditation I can do to manifest wonderful new friends? Thanks! - Carol
Dreamchaser:
I absolutely believe in the laws of the universe. I believe in the law of gravity; I have no doubt that what goes up must come down. I believe in the law of birth and death; everything must be born, and everything must die. I also believe in the law of attraction just as strongly.
To break down the law of attraction, we must first look at some other principles of universal law:
1. Everything is mental. The universe begins and ends in our own minds. The old adage "what you believe, you can achieve" arises from this principle of mind.
2. Vibration. Everything is always moving; nothing is ever resting. Even if we are asleep, our blood is still flowing and our brains are still active. Every living thing has a vibration.
3. Polarity. Everything has poles; everything has an opposite. For light there is dark, and for positive, there is negative.
4. Cycles. Everything goes in cycles. The tide comes in and the tide goes out. The sun rises and the sun sets.
5. Cause and effect. For every action, there is an equal reaction.
6. Gender. Everything has a masculine side and a feminine side. Even human beings have masculine chromosomes and feminine chromosomes.
To consciously manifest what you want, you have to consciously work with these principles. You have to believe that you can have what you want. You have to visualize it, see yourself with it, and feel what it would be like to have it be yours.
For example, if you want a new job, pretend you are in that job. Feel what it would feel like to do the work and experience the joy of this new challenge.
You also have to understand that to get something, you have to line up with the vibration of that thing. To do that, you have to go back to IMAGINING it and making it yours in your head.
Sometimes we have to wait until we are at the right point in the cycle of our experience for something to manifest. We also have to make sure that what we bring in really is a good thing.
For example, calling your boyfriend's wife because you want them to get a divorce so you can have him all to yourself is NOT a good thing. While you can always apply the principles above to the thing you want, you are wise to ponder how it may affect the universe. For example, if your boyfriend leaves his wife, you may get him, but he'll leave behind not only his wife, but also his children. In some way, EVERYTHING is affected when you get what you want.
You don't need any magic spell to attract new friends into your life. This is all about you and your mind and your belief that you can have whatever it is you desire. You can work all day and not get something because deep down you do not really believe you can have it. (I suggest everyone watch "The Secret.")
I wish you the power to BELIEVE you can have all you want.
*****
Astrea:
Personally, I don't believe that ANY spell can guarantee you new friends, but often just the act of doing a ritual will help you focus on what you want so you can achieve your goal. Below are three different spells for attracting new people into your life.
Light a pink candle, then using gold ink, write the names of the friends you already have on a piece of paper. Don't worry if it's not a very long list. Most of us have only a few TRUE friends and lots of acquaintances. Roll the paper up into a tube and keep it somewhere safe, because these friends are your treasures.
On another piece of paper, use silver ink to write down all the people you would like to meet. If you don't have the names of these people, or don't know who they are, write a brief description of the personalities you would like to know. Put this somewhere you will see it when you wake up in the morning and go to sleep at night. This will remind you to get out and meet new people. In one month, your circle of friends will have grown, and you'll start over with a new scroll of your friends in the gold ink.
Running water helps reinforce commitment, stability, mutual support, loyalty, and fidelity in relationships. Buy a small water fountain or a birdbath, and place it either outside or inside to the LEFT of your home's front door so that you can see it when you're looking out, or see it to the left of the door if it's inside.
Place a few small pieces of rose quartz in it. Each time you meet someone you would like to get to know better, place a new pink stone in the water. Be sure to add fresh water at least once a week. As you place a new stone or add the fresh water, visualize the new relationship growing and glowing. Clean it once a month to prevent the growth of algae and to clear any old energy.
As we come to the end of our calendar year, we find time for reflection and also time to consider the future. Take time to think about the friends and relatives you have now who make your life richer with their presence. Make a list of all the people you feel kindness for, who also show you kindness. Roll the list up and tie it with a purple ribbon. Light a purple candle, and anoint it with oil of rosemary. Enchant the candle by saying, "As this year draws to an end, I count up every friend. I bless each one in memory, for they have shared their lives with me."
You can also use this same ritual to attract new people into your life by changing the candle to a pink one and saying, "As this year draws to an end, I search for each new friend. I bless each one that is to be, for they will share their lives with me."
While these may sound too simple and too silly to work, they WILL help you focus on the people you want to draw into your life. Always carry a small piece of rose quartz with you to repel negativity and to draw positive energy. Even though I don't usually use spells in my work, I do have a rose quartz with me at all times!
Good luck with your adventure of manifesting great new friends!
Astrea:
Many times in life we hear, "You will always have what you NEED, but not necessarily what you WANT." Your spirit must have needed to experience the feeling of leaving your human body, and the suggestion in the next chapter of Sylvia Brown's book was all it took to get you there.
Even though you hadn't read it yet, your SOUL recognized the title of that chapter as something it had been seeking, and your soul, knowing that you had that reference to read after your experience, got with it and out you went!
While I don't usually recommend her books, Sylvia Brown has a wide reaching and powerful effect on lots of people. A Gemini like you would be able to relate easily to her writing and put it to good use. Synchronicity - you gotta love it!
I like your description of "getting caught." That's exactly what it feels like, isn't it? One minute you're free and hovering above the room, and the next minute, ZAP! back down into your corporeal form you go!
As a little kid, I loved that "feeling of return." With practice, most of the time we can control that event, but sometimes, when our physical ears hear a distracting noise or something else occurs to knock us back into reality, back we go. With practice you will be able to control your return better.
I find it interesting that you were visiting your mother-in-law and not someone in your own genetic family. Evidently, you and your husband got married for reasons that are even deeper than love. His family's interest in "psychic stuff" will nurture your children in such matters and help them to grow into their own abilities.
You'll never have to be concerned that when your daughter visits them, she'll be discouraged from exploring her own psychic life and power. My parents encouraged me to develop my psychic senses in a time when it wasn't nice to even discuss such things in public. Heck, it's STILL not considered a great topic at the dinner table in some families!
Your kids will get to talk about it ALL and ask questions and read and study. This is going to give them such an edge in life! Talk with your husband about how you want to present this to your kiddos, so that you are united in your approach and ready to tell them their experiences are all natural and okay.
A word or two of warning: Geminis often have difficulty staying grounded in REAL LIFE. Don't get so strung out on your ASTRAL life that you neglect what you're doing here on Earth.
You are at the beginning of a long journey to learn where your power really lies. Try to be patient with this process and take your time.