Transiting Pluto By Dena DeCastro

The force of transiting Pluto brings transformative, life-changing external events OR internal realization (reference the January Podcast on Pluto into Capricorn). Pluto brings the opportunity for us to reconnect with our passions by clearing away things that are blocking us in the unconscious. Pluto offers us the lesson that we are not ultimately in control of everything in or lives, and often we find that there is very little we do control. The issue of power and its locus is up for consideration here, and we must look at our relationship to power – both our own power and how others use power towards us. Pluto often pushes us to face our fears – not to punish us, but so that we may come more fully into our own power and feel a passionate connection to our lives.

Transformation, Regeneration, Rebirth
Destruction
Death
Obsession
Dictatorship
Terrorism, rebellion, anarchy
Secret, Undercover, Hidden
Revitalization

Dena’s Reading

3 Card Change Reading

1. Resistance (Saturn-Devil)
2. Struggle (Mars-Tower)
3. Transformation (Fire-Pluto-Judgement)

Dena DeCastro

A professional astrologer in the Portland area for several years, Dena has appeared on local radio shows, taught workshops, and given lectures on topics in Evolutionary Astrology. The evolutionary perspective is that our souls progress from lifetime to lifetime. The focus of Dena’s readings is upon your chart as the dynamic representation of your highest potential, and the guide toward achieving it. Dena hosts the podcast Evolutions of Astrology featuring interviews with astrologers and other readers, as well as discussing various topics of astrology and chart interpretation.

To subscribe to “Evolutions of Astrology” via iTunes, click here.

Music Credits

• Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
• Closing Music: I’m Your Moon by Jonathan Coulton

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Sabian Symbols look a lot like the Magical Images. Aries 3: The Cameo Profile Of A Man, suggesting The Shape Of His Country

The ultimate peace and unity of Kether is represented by a special anthropomorphic symbol known as a Magical Image. Such an image is given for each of the sephiroth, and has been built up over the centuries by meditative work on the inner plane. These images are, along with applicable symbols points of contact with the Sephiorth. In the case of Kether, the image is of an Ancient Bearded King seen in profile. This is a crowned and white-bearded head, seen from the right side, its left being unknown to us as it borders on the Unmanifest. - The Qabalistic Tarot by Robert Wang Pg. 56

I am proposing that we could use the Sabian Symbols in the same way magical images are used and you can associate most Tarot Cards with degrees of the Zodiac (see notes handout below).

Sabian Symbols Resources

Podcast
TURNING OF THE WHEEL
Learning Life Cycles Through Astrology with CHRIS FLISHER

• Download Episode
• Visit Turning of the Wheel Archives
• Subscribe with iTunes
• ChrisFlisher.com

The Sabian Symbols with Lynda Hill 10/25/07

Lynda Hill, FAA Pract. Cert. has been a professional astrologer for more than 18 years. 2006 marked her 22nd lecture tour of the States, in addition to the many lectures she has conducted for astrologers and the public throughout Australia, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Russia, South Africa, New Zealand and Canada. Lynda is the astrologer for Good Taste and Take Five, and writes astrological commentary for publications all over the world. She divides her time between Sydney’s beautiful Northern Beaches and the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains (when she’s not traveling the world delivering lectures!).

Lynda has been a tireless researcher on the Sabian Symbols. Listen to the amazing story of this remarkable divination oracle. Her book, “360 Degrees of Wisdom: Charting Your Destiny With the Sabian Oracle” is published by Penguin USA (Plume imprint) and was released in February 2006 by Sony Japan in Japanese. This is a revised edition of her self-published book The Sabian Symbols as an Oracle, which comes with a special set of divination cards and can still be purchased through Lynda by emailing her at www.sabiansymbols.com

Websites:

• Lynda Hill’s SabianSymbols.com
• Sabian Symbols Oracle
• Visualize the Zodiac
• Sabian Symbols as Art

Books:

Handouts

Using Dice

12 sided	1. Aries 2. Taurus 3. Gemini 4. Cancer 5. Leo 6. Virgo	7. Libra 8. Scorpio 9. Sagittarius 10. Capricorn 11. Aquarius 12. Pisces
6 sided	1. 1st decan (1-10) 2. 2nd decan (11-20) 3. 3rd Decan (21-30)	4. 1st decan (1-10) 5. 2nd decan (11-20) 6. 3rd Decan (21-30)
10 sided	1-1st Degree in Decan 2-2nd Degree in Decan …	… 9 - 9th Degree in Decan 0 -Last Degree in Decan

Example (9, 3, 9)

• 12d -> 9. Sagittarius
• 6d -> 3. Third Decan
• 10d-> 9. 9th Degree

Sagittarius 29: A Fat Boy Mowing The Lawn Of His House On An Elegant SuburbanStreet

Sukhi’s Reading (Calculating a Degree)

1. Sukhi: Hermit (Virgo)
2. Crossing: Page Pentacles
3. Crowning: King of Pentacles
4. Undercurrents: Ace of Pentacles
5. Past: Page Cups Rx
6. Near Future: Six of Wands
7. Internal: 8 of Swords Rx
8. External: Death Rx
9. Hope & Fears: 10 Swords Rx
10. Outcome: Empress

I selected the Hermit/Virgo as the significant sign on the reading then added the numbers from the spread together and reduced the sum to a number between 1 & 30.

9 + 1 +6 + 8 + 13 + 10 + 3 = 50 (5+0 = 5)

Virgo 5

A Man Becoming Aware Of Nature Spirits And Normally Unseen Spiritual Agencies

My Chart, Tarot Cards, Sabian Cards

I printed out a set of the Sabian Symbols on Color Card stock. This picture is of my Natal Cart with the associated Tarot Cards around it.

For example:

• Sun in Aries - Sun/Emperor
• Moon in Capricorn - Priestess/Devil

The outer rim is the symbol associated with the degree of that sign.

Dena DeCastro

A professional astrologer in the Portland area for several years, Dena has appeared on local radio shows, taught workshops, and given lectures on topics in Evolutionary Astrology. The evolutionary perspective is that our souls progress from lifetime to lifetime. The focus of Dena’s readings is upon your chart as the dynamic representation of your highest potential, and the guide toward achieving it.

Dena hosts the podcast Evolutions of Astrology featuring interviews with astrologers and other readers, as well as discussing various topics of astrology and chart interpretation.

Basics of Astrology: Teleclasses with Dena
Have you ever attempted to read your own birth chart, and found you just didn’t know where to begin? Or, have you always been curious about astrology, but found books on the topic to be complex and incomprehensible? If so, these teleclasses are for you (see info to the right on teleclasses).

Each class module will focus on a different topic of astrology. Included will be on-line visual aids, downloadable chart examples, and/or specific hands-on demonstrations of the techniques discussed. There will also be a 15-minute period devoted to Q & A.

Class sessions are 90 minutes, and are conducted via phone.

Module 1: Planets and Signs

This module is geared toward those with an interest in learning the basics of astrology. No previous experience is required. We will explore the archetypes of each planet and sign, and begin interpreting the placements of planets within different signs.

Module 2: Houses and Beginning Interpretation

This module delves into the meanings of the houses, and we begin to combine the interpretation of planets, signs and houses. This is the first step toward chart synthesis, and necessary in order to read a natal chart.

Module 3: Aspects

Aspects between planets in the natal chart add an important layer to interpretation. This module illustrates how aspects to our personal planets and Ascendant give us more information as to how these planets function within the natal chart.

• To subscribe to “Evolutions of Astrology” via iTunes, click here.
• To learn more about Dena’s Teleclasses, click here.

Music Credits

• Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
• Closing Music: Title and Registration by Death Cab for Cutie (Podsafe Music)

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• Pick 3 objects (person, place, thing)
• Pick 3 actions

1. Draw a card for each an interpret the card as the bridge between the dream image and your waking life.
2. Pick one of the object card, either randomly or because of its importance.
3. Pick of the action cards
4. Shuffle the rest of the deck and draw a summary card.
5. Use these three cards to do a reading for yourself.

Dena’s Dream

I dreamed that Leisa had given me a baby duck to take care of. It was cute and fuzzy, and seemed very frail/thin. He didn’t seem like a normal duck though; he had almost the personality of a human. I said he seemed very sweet. She said she was going away for a couple of days, and wondered if I could take care of it. I said sure, and took it. I soon realized that I had not asked for any instructions for its care, nor did I have any place to safely keep it. I felt that he (it seemed male) needed a cage or small enclosure, because he might get trompled on in my home. I was having great anxiety about all of this. In the dream, I lived in a place I didn’t recognize, and both my Mom and Dustin (brother) lived there too. I was afraid they’d be careless and step on him. I put him in my room, and was contemplating putting out a sign that said “Don’t come in.” In the mean time, I gave him some water, and it was good to watch him drink. I reminded myself that I needed to feed and give him water, that I musn’t forget. I thought I might need to go get some duck food soon.

Then, abruptly, the scene changed and I had decided to go on a hiking/camping trip and take the duck with me. I was with a bunch of people, and we were going over some rough terrain. I kept the duck in a pouch close to my belly, inside my clothes. At one point, I bumped against something and was afraid I’d crushed him. I took him out, and he looked like his right eye was injured. I decided I’d better head home.

I was in the car, and the duck was running loose around the floorboards as I was driving. I knew something bad was going to happen, almost like it was inevitable: a hole in the floorboards appeared, and the duck fell through. I saw him tumble out the bottom, and knew he must have died. I felt horrible. I dreaded having to tell Leisa when she returned.

Leisa came back, and I met her at her house. I told her about the duck, and was direct and honest and told her everything. I was still frustrated that I had not had a cage for him, but I felt like it was my responsibility and I’d failed. Leisa was reassuring, said it was okay, although she did seem sad about the duck. I woke up, very relieved that it had all been a dream.

Leisa’s Dream

I just parked by car. I was attending a conference at a hotel a block away. The buildings for that block were joined on the ground floor so I entered the nearest one to get off the street. I was distracted and got on the first elevator that I saw and once inside I realized my error. This elevator would go up but the higher level wasn’t connected to the place I was staying. There was no way to reopen the doors without going to the top.

The inside of the elevator was strange. Very old fashioned with iron grating so you could see the floors going by. The interior was very small. There was barely enough room to stand in it front to back. It was wider than deep so I had to put my luggage to my right. There were only three buttons. 1 – 9 – 10. On the way up I saw empty dusty spaces. Near the top I witnessed a murder by gunshot that I wasn’t supposed to see of course.

When I reached the top I was able to press the buttons to go down without the doors opening but the bad guys knew I was there and wanted to intercept me.

I did dial 911 from my cell phone. There were some reception problems due to the elevator and at some point I was free falling in the elevator shaft and needed to catch back up to my phone. I did accomplish this, escape to a corner of the lobby to complete my call. I was battered, bloody and may have had broken bones but safe.

Dena DeCastro

A professional astrologer in the Portland area for several years, Dena has appeared on local radio shows, taught workshops, and given lectures on topics in Evolutionary Astrology. The evolutionary perspective is that our souls progress from lifetime to lifetime. The focus of Dena’s readings is upon your chart as the dynamic representation of your highest potential, and the guide toward achieving it. Dena hosts the podcast Evolutions of Astrology featuring interviews with astrologers and other readers, as well as discussing various topics of astrology and chart interpretation.

To subscribe to “Evolutions of Astrology” via iTunes, click here.

Music Credits

• Opening Music: The Oracle Speaks by William Wilde Zeitler from Elegy for Atlantis
• Transitional Music: Goodbye by Beth Quist from Lucidity (Magnatune)
• Closing Music: Dream by Beth Quistt from Lucidity (Magnatune)

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Astrologer Dena Decastro, who has been a regular guest, has a new Astrology podcast.

I’m the guest for Episode 3 which explores the differences between tarot readings and astrology readings. You can listen here, download the mp3, or subscribe via iTunes!

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Running Time: 49:22 min | File Size: 56.5.X MB

Download audio file (EvolutionsOfAstrology3.mp3)

Dena DeCastro joins me to do a Zodiac Houses reading for listener Brad Jacobson. This is based on the second operation of the Opening of the Key.

The mode of performing the Divination called “The Opening of the Key” is by five consecutive operations of laying out the cards, they having been previously well shuffled, and, in addition in the first and fourth cases, having been cut as well, and in a certain manner. These five operations answer respectively, the first to the Dominion of the Four Knaves under the presidency of the Four Aces; the Second to that of the Kings, Queens and Knights, referred to the Twelve Houses; the Third to that of the Twelve Keys attributed to the Signs; the Fourth to that of the smaller cards answering to the 36 Decanates; and the Fifth and last to the rule of the Sephiroth in the Celestial Heavens. - The Complete Golden Dawn System of Magic by Israel Regardie

The cards are shuffled and not cut. Starting with the first house (ASC.) the cards are dealt out in order around the wheel (counter-clockwise). This is where I depart from the Opening of the Key. We interpreted the top cards of each stack in relationship to the houses.

1. First House (Aries) - House of Self: Self-Awareness, Self-Expression, Individuality, Personality, Outward Appearances & Stimuli.
2. Second House (Taurus) - House of Possession: Sustenance, Resources, Money, Self-Worth, Wealth, Values, Luxury, Talents.
3. Third House (Gemini) - House of Communication: Logic, Mental & Spiritual Development, Curiosity, Hobbies, Short Journeys, Siblings.
4. Fourth House (Cancer) - House of Family & Home: Domestic Scenes, Environment, Roots, Security, Comfort, Tradition.
5. Fifth House (Leo) -House of Pleasure: Beauty, Creative Expression, Romance, Social Activities, Recreation, Children.
6. Sixth House (Virgo) - House of Health: Work, Duty, Responsibility & Personal Growth, Employment, Service.
7. Seventh House (Libra) - House of Partnership: Marriage, Friendships, Business Relationships, Karma, Compromise, Contracts.
8. Eighth House (Scorpio) - House of Sex: Sex, Death & Rebirth. Shared Resources, Inheritance, Support From Another, Regeneration.
9. Ninth House (Sagittarius) - House of Philosophy: Expanding Inner & Outer Selves Through Travel, Education, & Spirituality.
10. Tenth House (Capricorn) - House of Social Status: Career, Society, Public Reputation, Place In Community.
11. Eleventh House (Aquarius) - House of Friendships: Friends, Society, Philanthropy, Aspirations, Free Time, Ideals & Goals.
12. Twelveth House (Pisces) - House of Subconscious: Psychological Health, Emotional Experiences, Unconscious Memories, Seclusion, Secrets.

Handouts

Cafe Press Shop

And Justice For All by Ginny Hunt

When we think of what is “just” we often equate it with what is “fair.” However, what seems fair to one person is often not how another would envision it. Enter, Justice. She is the embodiment of the moral virtue that would not be swayed by personal interest, nor an individual sense of fairness, but an overarching global, cosmic sense of what is “right” because in the end of it all it is just and fair.
No idea in Western civilization has been more consistently linked to ethics and morality than the idea of justice. From The Republic, written by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, to A Theory of Justice, written by the late Harvard philosopher John Rawls, every major work on ethics has held that justice is part of the central core of morality. So where does the concept originate? Social justice is likely as old as the first humans as they structured their communities and fought among themselves for their own conflicting interests. Without the cooperation and equity justice provides, we would quickly extinguish our own species. Egyptians knew her as Maat, the one who weighed the hearts of men. Greeks knew her as Themis, goddess of order and oracle at Delphi who was the mother of Dike, goddess of justice. Romans knew her as Justitia. It wasn’t until the 16th century that images of justice showed her blindfolded to represent impartiality, but the sword and scales have shown up in her various incarnations over the ages. (read the full post)

Tarot Realizations – from Bill Vincent

Tarot is a somewhat remarkable thing. I find myself marveling at it’s beauty, and entrenched in it’s symbolism. But Tarot has also given me something else, too. It has made me really understand that there is a unique quality to Tarot that goes beyond the 78 cards. It has given me a sense of hope that someday we will better understand the energy behind it.

In my experience, Tarot is the most interesting and powerful of all divinatory arts. Through it I have discovered that there is indeed a unique power that plays between myself and the cards, a power of synchronicity which cannot be explained away. It does not have every answer, and does not control my life. Yet, it provides the closest thing to tangible proof in my eyes that there is truly an unseen intelligence that plays a part in our existence. (read the full post)

Hermit’s Journey with Bonnie Cehovet - Symbolism of the High Priestess

Welcome to the Hermit’s Journey. My name is Bonnie Cehovet, and in this Pod Cast we will continue on our journey through the symbols in the Major Arcana. As I noted in the first Pod Cast of this series, that of the Fool, the imagery and symbolism in the Tarot is what connects us to its archetypal qualities and wisdom. It acts as a gateway between our conscious and our unconscious worlds. Each deck carries with it its own unique brand of imagery and symbols.

For the purposes of this discussion, I will be referring to the Waite-Smith Tarot (also known as the Rider-Waite Tarot), as it is a traditional reference, and quite often used for teaching purposes. Interpreting the imagery and symbols is done in two ways: through the intent of the author/illustrator (and here we need to remember that the background for the Rider-Waite deck is that of the Golden Dawn), and how the Seeker sees it through the veil of their own personal life experiences.

Let’s continue our journey through the symbols of the High Priestess. Here we see represented the feminine mystique, higher wisdom, and a connection to the Moon and our unconscious selves.

The wisdom that the High Priestess represents is universal wisdom that we connect with by accessing our inner self, our unconscious self. This is the wisdom that helps us to develop the potential inherent within the skills and abilities of the Magician.

In a reading, the symbols within the card of the High Priestess address the spiritual nature in our life. We are being told that before we can find a solution to our issues, we need to look deeply into them, and deeply into ourselves.

Music Credits

Opening Music: time release by the Droney Tones.

78 Notes Music: Steamy River by Rhonda Lorence from Winter Moon (Magnatune)

Hermits Journey Music: Dark Moon by Suzanne Teng from Enchanted Wind (Magnatune)

Closing Music: Eastern Sky-Touching Grace from eastern grooves by DJ Cary

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A significator is a card selected to represent the querent (or object) of the reading. It is very common to select a significator from the court cards. In this episode, Dena Decastro joins me to explore ways to select a significator.

Excerpt from the Pictorial Key to the Tarot - an ancient celtic method of divination

This mode of divination is the most suitable for obtaining an answer to a definite question. The Diviner first selects a card to represent the person or, matter about which inquiry is made. This card is called the Significator. Should he wish to ascertain something in connexion with himself he takes the one which corresponds to his personal description.

A Knight should be chosen as the Significator if the subject of inquiry is a man of forty years old and upward; a King should be chosen for any male who is under that age a Queen for a woman who is over forty years and a Page for any female of less age.

Confessions by Ginny Hunt

I am a naughty tarot reader. I break the rules. Oh, I know, there are no real tarot rules. Technically. However, there are some rather strong suggestions regarding tarot usage and I am here to say I’ve disregarded those, too. I say this with neither shame nor pride, but simply to say we each must forge our own way with this tarot reading thing and whatever works for you, both functionally and ethically, is what is best. (more …)

Music Credits

• Opening Music: time release by the Droney Tones.
• 78 Notes Music: Steamy River by Rhonda Lorence from Winter Moon (Magnatune)
• Closing Music: Shades of Blue by Hans Christian from the Surrender (Magnatune)

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The Zodiac can be divided into three modalities: cardinal, fixed and mutable. These represent basic styles and states of activity.

• Cardinal: beginning, independent, enthusiastic, unencumbered, pure. (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn)
• Fixed: determined, persistent, stable, solid, resistant to change. (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius)
• Mutable: flexible, resourceful, expansive, transforming. (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces)

These two concepts have an important place in Astrology and can be used in your Tarot readings. Dena DeCastro joins me to talk about these ideas relate to the Zodiac and Tarot. We apply the idea of Modality & Elements in Sample Readings.

Download a chart of how the cards fit around the wheel of the year.

Portland Astrologer Dena DeCastro was intrigued by the planets and their surrounding mythologies from an early age. Dena also participates in continuing education in the astrology field through attending conferences and lectures, and most notably is a participant in Steven Forrest’s Apprenticeship Program. Dena publishes monthly articles at denadecastro.com, and also provides individual tutoring in astrology.

The Tarot Court Series Intro by Ginny Hunt

This begins a five part series exploring the tarot court. Court Cards: Oh the Confusion

Tarot court cards, the Minor “people cards,” can be confusing to many tarot readers because they can and do represent so many different possible interpretations. Well, so can most of the cards, but court cards are unique because they can represent a certain individual; or they can imply a particular facet of a person, either someone else or the querant; or they can be recommending a certain kind of action; or they might be telling the querant they are displaying a certain type of behavior; or….well, you see? It can be difficult to know what to make of these folks when they show up in a reading. Read the Full Post or Visit the Series

Music Credits

• Opening Music: time release by the Droney Tones.
• 78 Notes Music: Steamy River by Rhonda Lorence from Winter Moon (Magnatune)
• Closing Music: Signs and a Vision by Paul Avgerinos from Muse of the Round Sky. (Magnatune)

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These two concepts have an important place in Astrology, Tarot and countless other applications. Dena DeCastro joins me to talk about these ideas relate to the Zodiac and Tarot. We compare and contrast cards based on attributions and intuitive relationships.

Portland Astrologer Dena DeCastro was intrigued by the planets and their surrounding mythologies from an early age. One of her first memories of really reading was of a book on astrology (Derek and Julia Parker’s famous volume). Dena also participates in continuing education in the astrology field through attending conferences and lectures, and most notably is a participant in Steven Forrest’s Apprenticeship Program. Dena publishes monthly articles at denadecastro.com, and also provides individual tutoring in astrology.

Music Credits

• Opening Music: time release by the Droney Tones.
• Closing Music: Peaceful Planet by Kourosh Zolani

Founded in 2003, Magnatune http://www.magnatune.com/ is an independent, online record label that hand selects its own artists, sells its catalog of music through online downloads and print-on-demand CDs and licenses music for commercial and non-commercial use. Based on the principle that “we are not evil,” the company offers fair-trade music to consumers by equally sharing all revenue from the sale of albums with artists and allowing artists to retain full rights to their music. All music can be previewed free of charge with a “try before you buy” philosophy. Customers can also choose how much they want to pay for the music with pricing ranging from $5-18 for a downloadable album or print-on-demand CDs.

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Listen to Deo’s Shadow Episode 22 for history and associations of elements to directions.

Portland Astrologer Dena DeCastro was intrigued by the planets and their surrounding mythologies from an early age. One of her first memories of really reading was of a book on astrology (Derek and Julia Parker’s famous volume). Dena also participates in continuing education in the astrology field through attending conferences and lectures, and most notably is a participant in Steven Forrest’s Apprenticeship Program. Dena publishes monthly articles at denadecastro.com, and also provides individual tutoring in astrology.

Music Credits

• Opening Music: time release by the Droney Tones.
• Closing Music: Wind & Fire by Gene Loves Jezebel

Play or Download the Episode