The Planets Aligned

​Astrology fascinates me.
 
And, I have a great deal of respect for astrology practitioners. In my limited studies on the topic, I quickly recognized how much time and dedication it would take to learn all the nuances in order to be good. Respecting that, I’m always the first to admit I have learned just enough to be dangerous but it’s best to leave the real interpretations to the experts!!
 
Especially since the one thing about astrology I am certain of is – IT IS REAL. The planets really do exert forces that have an impact our lives. I witness the strength of the planetary forces every mercury retrograde when technology and communication goes askew. And, every full moon when people get a little emotional. It was especially apparent this past week when the full moon’s energy was amplified by a lunar eclipse. It seemed that everyone I ran into was feeling nostalgic and emotional.
 
Having witnessed this phenomena and because I’m a little superstitious, before my husband said our I dos seven years ago we consulted not one but TWO astrologers (Ellen Bourn and Amie Michaels). Why did we consult with them? We wanted them to identify the ideal moment for us to say our I dos in and effort to ensure marital success. We thought, hey any help from the universe we can get we’ll take it. And, one thing was for sure, it couldn’t hurt!!
 
Each astrologer took both my husband and my natal charts, overlaid them and then compared that to the upcoming year to find the perfect combination. This is where I get lost and overwhelmed. That’s why we left it to the experts.
 
We were grateful and AMAZED when each independently recommended a window between 11am and noon on Sunday, August 23rd. If that doesn’t say something about astrology being a science, I don’t know what does!
 
So why did both ladies choose August 23rd between 11am and 12noon?
 
In order to explain that, I should talk a little about the astrology basics… the stuff I feel confident about! Well, somewhat.
 
In the basics of astrology there are three important components that should always be taken into consideration: the Sun, Moon and Ascendant signs. In astrology, your sun sign is what we most often associate with. The day you were born indicates this, i.e. I was born on January 22 so I am an Aquarius. Your sun sign indicates what you show or shine to the outside world. Your moon sign, on the other-hand, indicates who you are when no one else is looking and is what an individual may try to hide. In a month, the moon will touch upon each of the twelve zodiac signs. Finally, the ascendant sign which is determined by which zodiac sign constellation is on the horizon at the moment of birth or an event, indicates who you are becoming. In a twenty-four-hour period, each zodiac is in the sky.
 
Now that you know that, let’s explore why Sunday, August 23rd between 11am and 12noon was ideal.
 
At the selected time, the Sun was in Virgo. Why was this good? First off, Virgo is an earth sign. This means that there is a focus on the home and the physical plane. This was important to my husband and I because both live much of our life in the spiritual realm. We viewed our marriage as a way to remind us of the importance of having a physical existence. We found this concept so important that we chose to engrave our wedding bands with the phrase, “As above, so below.” Additionally, traits typically associated with Virgo includes faithfulness, dedication, practicality and hard work. All qualities desirable for a marriage. Not only that, Virgos rarely leave anything to chance and have clearly defined roles. In our marriage where the partnership exists both in the home and in business, this was an important component.
 
While Virgos are loving, they are not always warm and fuzzy. Fortunately, as both my husband and I are Aquarius which are known to be somewhat detached, this is not an issue. But, the moon sign which is in Libra, does bring a softness. Libra, like Aquarius, is an air sign. Air signs are about intellect and communication. This brings a fluidity and harmony to the relationships. Additionally, traits of Libras include diplomacy, cooperation and balance. For a marriage this is ideal because we will always be working together to find balance.
 
The Ascendant at the time of our marriage was also Libra. As a Libra Ascendant was desirable, we HAD to be pronounced husband and wife between 11am and 12noon. Why was this important to us? Libras make ideal partners and as an Ascendant this describes what our relationship could become. Libra on the ascendant provokes each of us to strive to grow into better partners. What better goal for a marriage?
 
After hearing this analysis, how could we not choose this time! Fortunately, it also aligned with when out-of-town family members were already planning on visiting. SERENDIPITY!! Only downfall, trying to explain to people why we were having the reception before the vows AND trying to get people to not call us husband and wife. To this day, some of my husband’s family still rolls their eyes thinking about quirky Dawn.
 
All I have to say to those eye rolls, we’re seven years in and still going. Is it the astrology? Maybe, maybe not. I choose to believe it is.

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