As Above, So Below a serial by Kimberly Carson

These are a series of articles about astrological influences on our every day lives in a wide variety of circumstances.

A Look at Polarities - Beginning with Aries, Libra balances you at the 7th house of relationships.  Venus and Mars have many contemporary references, some of which have astrological significance, yet when these two energies get together, it's pure old-fashioned magic. When the scales become unbalanced, Libra can be quite headstrong; when Aries notices a period of acute indecisiveness, it's time to get some serious R&R. A Libra with unexplainable headaches may consider getting the kidneys checked.

An Esoteric Perspective - From the universal standpoint, Aries is the first impulse of the life force in activity, the descent of the Divine Spark into manifestation. In its highest aspect it is the Lamb of God. The Lamb, the higher symbol, is the symbol of submissiveness and non-resistance.  When the personality makes itself the positive pole of expression the Real Self is forced into the back seat. Conversely, when the personality recognizes that only when it submits to the Real Self is God's gift to us of free will perfectly actualized.

Anecdotal Compatibilities - Nothing demonstrates information better than experience and I thought it might be fun to share some interesting case studies of compatibility. Please keep in mind that these are personal observations and are in no way being offered as predictions or even reasonable examples of astrological compatibility. The first two cases will prove as a prime example:

Astrological Compatibility - I am not without my personal biases on the matter, however, I generally answer these above queries with one question: Do you want to? My astrological premise is always that our will determines our life and so we cooperate not when we are cosmically united, but when we simply decide to cooperate. Believe me, even I have a tendency to shy away from encouraging a Leo and a Taurus to tie the knot and use some rather diplomatic strategies for avoiding a finite answer (which never satisfy either sign), so in the end I just say what I know is the truth: we get along with whomever we chose to get along with, but investing in some boxing gloves for this pair would be money well spent.

Astrological Fundamentals - The horoscope is a blueprint of our character.  Character is destiny.  We can change by changing our attitudes and patterns of behavior.  The blueprint shows our character and personality pattern; our human nature, but we are spirit, too.  The stars impel but do not compel.  An understanding of planetary influences allows us to take life into our hands and intelligently utilize these influences.

At Home with the Signs - We all tend to be a little bit different at home than in other areas of life; it's where we can put our feet up, let our hair down and be more fully ourselves. Our energy expresses itself more clearly when we are being our most authentic and home is where this is for most of us. Here's a peek at how the signs might express themselves when they are at their most relaxed:

Behind Closed Doors - The healing science of astrology would be incomplete without a sexual perspective that shows us how to enhance the powerful chemistry between lovers.  A compatibility chart is strongly suggested when the time comes for lovers to stretch their romantic wings and soar into the marital heavens, as it can illumine the areas of natural partnered strengths to call forth in times of conflict.

Calling on the Power - The energy dynamics available through the stars are healing tools in many areas of living and one of them that I probably utilize more than anything else at this point is what I refer to as: calling on the power.

Calling on The Power- Libra through Pisces - Call on Libra...for more horsepower, organizational skills, beautification ideas or ways to make procedures in all venues more efficient. Libra energy is especially useful when your life needs some balance, when you need to evaluate an issue from different angles or during those times of relationship peril and you need to find the place of harmony to return your heart to openness and cooperation.

Calling on the Power of The First Six - The concept of calling on the power of astrological energies to enhance our abilities, temper our responses and more effectively meet the demands of certain life situations is actualized each time we put it into action.  The more familiar we become with the nuances of each of the energies the more quickly we can determine which energy pattern is best suited to which circumstance.

Cosmic Communications - One of the ways that astrology can be useful in day to day interactions is in communications. Each of us has learned tactics for expressing ourselves that we derived from our environment, culture and families.

Cosmic Communications (cont'd) - Communicating with Libra: I call my Libran co-worker the Border Collie of the office; if there is a job to be done, Libra will tackle it in an effortless demonstration of grace under pressure. You can talk to Libra about almost anything and the level of engagement will be substantial, fulfilling and lively.

Just Wondering - I came across your story while searching for info on how to cheer up my cap (Capricorn) (either from one of our arguments or from his own dark mood). I saw that you had said there was no cheering one up...and I find that it is quite hard. I don't know if you might have any advice for this combination of signs? 

Meeting Signs - Now that we've reviewed some of the fundamentals of astrology, the next question might be, now what? What do I do with this information? The answer depends on the degree to which you want to incorporate an understanding of planetary influences into your beingness.

Planetary Symbols - The basic symbols of the planets are represented by the circle, the crescent and the cross. The circle represents that which is boundless, eternal, infinite. The crescent represents the personality, half the circle, the outer aspect of being.

Planets - The Final Four - Jupiter, the Expander is the Greater Benefic. It is the largest planet in our system and does things on a grand, large scale. Jupiter is the Promoter, expansive, optimistic, popular, successful and generous.

Signs at Home - Libra: The sign of the Scales is just as fastidious with the domestic routines as it is in other arenas. The Venusian influence of this energy pattern comes into full expression in the objects, arrangement and structure of the home life of the individuals born into Libra.

Signs at Work, Part I - Astrology can provide us with insights into the general aptitudes that each energy pattern possesses and how this translates into career choices. It's been my experience that you can find almost any sign in almost any profession; remember, the stars show us tendencies not certainties.

Signs at Work, Part II - Libra: My nickname for Libra is the border collie of the zodiac and nowhere is this truer than in the workplace. Libra is methodical, tireless and organized; giving this sign a task is the highest compliment you can bestow.

Sun Sign Keywords - You are not who you think you are! Isn't that great news? You aren't your resume, you aren't your DNA, you aren't any of the titles (sister, brother, spouse, parent, etc.), and you certainly are not your sun sign. Surprised or relieved? Personally, I was glad to make this discovery because it enabled me to release my attachment to those things that I identified myself by and I felt more free. All of these factors influence us, though, don't they? It's up to us how we respond.

Sun Signs at Play - The four elements of the planet attributed to the signs of the zodiac are especially revealing when we let these energies come out to play...or fall in love. As we preen our feathers in courtship preparation, naturally we want to emphasize our most attractive features, and as we allow our instincts to guide us we will draw attention to the most magnetic energy we possess...namely, our divine gifts. 

The Brightest Star in the Sky - There is no greater experience in this life than to feel perfectly safe and perfectly loved. When we go out into the world knowing that we are optimally connected to the omniscience of love, we shine more brightly than the sun that sustains this planet. 

The Houses - The houses are the areas of living where astrological influences take place. Similar to our physical homes, it is where the tasks of living occur. In our physical homes we dust, vacuum, empty the trash, clean clothes and dishes, prepare food which all contribute to readying the base from which we will come and go in our daily lives. Astrological houses work much the same way. It is the system our souls employ in order to organize our spiritual tasks. 

The Perfect Day - The women are old fashioned ladies who dress for the nights in private and then present themselves coquettishly to their gentlemen attired handsomely and ready to sweep them with old world romance and charm. The energy throughout the day is mixed with variations ranging from smooth to rough; peaceful to combative.

The Phases of Life - As you may know by now, Stories by Email is coming to an end which is sad for all of us: the writers, readers and our dedicated editor, Walter Thiessen. I know we have all appreciated this ezine in our lives and the gifts it has bestowed through inspiration, entertainment, relaxation and as an avenue of creative expression. My personal thanks to the other writers, the readers and Walt.

The Planets - Planets are the focal points through which the radiations from the sun pour forth upon the earth, and as they revolve about the sun the angle of that radiation shifts.  In the springtime, the angle is such that life is renewed.  It is the most dynamic time of growth whether in nature or an individual.  In the summer, the sun is higher; hotter.  It dries and heats.  In the fall, the angle again changes and life begins to withdraw.  In the winter, it is essentially dormant.  It is the changes of these angles that cause the seasons - both in nature and the individual.

Your Questions - Here are a couple more reader's questions and my responses. It's helpful to know as we go through our challenges that we're not alone and this is particularly true in our intimate relationships. I believe we all benefit from the experiences of others so here are a couple more of yours.