living constellation

Space for Machines #1

Dave Mockaitis — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:25:28 +0000

Space for Machines #2

Dave Mockaitis — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 05:05:56 +0000

Space for Machines #3

Dave Mockaitis — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:11:03 +0000

Space for Machines #4

Dave Mockaitis — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:27:24 +0000

Kindle Astrology Resources

Dave Mockaitis — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 11:14:50 +0000

Are astrologers using Kindles? I’m always curious to see how astrologers manage their data. Here are a few files I’ve put together for astrologers interested in exploring how they might incorporate the Kindle into their practice:

2011 Lunations – charts for all New and Full Moons in 2011.
2011 Ephemeris – monthly ephemeris for 2011

To get these PDFs on a Kindle, simply transfer them via USB or the Kindle’s email address.

Astrologers might also be interested in these Kindle titles:

The Contemporary Astrologer’s Handbook – Sue Tompkins
The Sabian Symbols & Astrological Analysis – Blain Bovee

Space Invaders

Dave Mockaitis — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 21:19:14 +0000

Space Invaders first invaded Amsterdam in 2000 and have been lurking and multiplying ever since. This photo captures our neighborhood’s resident invader, it lives just a few blocks from our home near Park Frankendael. One of the great things about living in Amsterdam is that these characters are located all over the city, popping into consciousness when you least expect them.

Space Invaders have been all over Amsterdam lately. The Netherlands Media Art Institute is hosting an exhibit named after the Invaders that’s investigating the interaction of computer game environments and the real world. The other day a few of the exhibiting artists spoke at the institute about the conceptual basis for their projects. It was an interesting evening, kind of heady & hackery, but no one mentioned the actual Space Invaders that Amsterdam residents bump into daily.

In 1999, Invader left his mark on Amsterdam. The French street artist is best known for these intricate and well-documented deployments of mosaic-tiled characters inspired by the 1978 Space Invaders video game. Amsterdam was the 18th of 35 cities to be populated by the ceramic aliens. Many of the original invaders are still in place throughout Amsterdam and the collection has been heavily supplemented in the intervening years.

Meteorry has a great and thorough Flickr set documenting the initial invasion of Amsterdam:

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In 2005, AmsterInvader took up where Invader left off by populating the city further with both traditional invaders and invader innovations like the snake. AmsterInvader continues to work and document his invaders on his WordPress blog.

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The Long Count

Dave Mockaitis — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 10:16:41 +0000

20 months, 2 weeks, 5 days, 10 hours, 4 minutes, 49 seconds

Electing to Quit Smoking

Dave Mockaitis — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:37:45 +0000

With Saturn transiting my ascendant in the next few weeks, I thought I’d get a head start by kicking my filthy smoking habit. After many years of smoking, it’s time to own up and be responsible. So, with a heap of dignified planets in the sky, I was able to elect a pretty nice chart for my initial dose of Zyban. To be clear, this is not a chart for the moment in which I stop smoking, but the moment at which I begin a medication that will ween the cigarettes from my hands.

Initial Zyban Dose - August 20, 2010, 8:23 AM, Amsterdam

In this chart, Mercury’s rising. In addition to having rulership (and/or exaltation) in Virgo, the planet’s stationary and angular giving it even more authority. The rising degree is a few degrees off from my natal North node to tie the chart in more directly to me. Mercury ruling the first house bodes well for my ability to control my vitality. Mercury ruling the 10th house of Gemini also speaks well of my doctor and the prescribed treatment. The placement’s descriptive too, as I found myself having to explain all the research I’d done to the Dutch doctor at the Expatriate medical center in order to even get the prescription.

The second house describes orally ingested medicine and is in great shape, with its ruler, Venus, in her own sign. Saturn is also there and is the exalted ruler of the sixth house which shows health and habits, so I should hopefully be able to easily take responsibility for daily activities that no longer suit me. Finally, the Moon’s conjunct the North node, which I think should add a nice touch of conviction to the endeavor.

Weekly Horoscopes: July 19, 2010

Dave Mockaitis — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 13:57:15 +0000

There’s a lot happening in the sky and on the earth this week as two outer planets make important shifts. Jupiter, the planet of adventure and excitement turns retrograde on Friday urging us to look inward and reflect upon what inspires and keeps us moving forward. Saturn enters Libra on Wednesday, ending its two and a half year tour of detail-oriented Virgo. Expect to see changes in laws and policy over the next few years as Saturn makes its way through the sign of the peacemaker. Energy keeps building towards next Monday’s full Moon in Aquarius, which will shine brightest for Capricorns and Aquarians.

Aries

The past month or so has certainly favored you, Aries, but your summer of excitement begins to level out Wednesday as Jupiter stations retrograde. Don’t expect the wind- down to Fall to be completely uneventful, though. The dramatic changes you’ve been making to your appearance or way of interacting with others will continue to bring new experiences and encounters into your life for the next several weeks till August and beyond.

Taurus

Don’t let a sweet start to the week lull you into a sense of complacency, Taurus. Though you’re at your best when proceeding organically and making steady progress, there may be some loopholes that you’re unaware of that could attempt to trip you up on Friday. Read the fine print and stick to your guns. Things should flow a lot more smoothly at work as the week ends — especially in the IT department — and this momentum continues will likely carry you to the end of the year while the planetary configuration gently fades out.

Gemini

Your communications skills are in full swing this week, Gemini, and don’t you know it! Try to introduce some humility to your banter lest people get sick of listening to you. Friday brings an opportunity to talk with your partner about things that might not be going so perfectly in your relationship. This weekend your ability to empathize and understand your partner is deeper than usual, so take the time to really connect. For those twins that are currently unpartnered, this weekend’s a great time to reflect on what you’re looking for and maybe trim down the list of qualifications for potential suitors.

Cancer

Hang in there, Cancer, Friday the attention finally shifts away from you, giving you that chance for quiet and retreat that you’ve been craving. Though at times you may secretly enjoy all the attention that’s been lavished on you lately, next week will find you operating more behind the scenes. Now’s a good time to investigate the finances and expenses that you may have been ignoring. The next two weeks is a great time for you to implement a savings or spending plan that works with your priorities and fits within your reality.

Leo

The tides turn toward your favor on Friday, Leo, as the Sun returns to your homebase. Early in the week is a good time for cleaning house, both physically and energetically. Take stock of what’s no longer serving you. Whether it’s your furniture arrangement or your codependent behavior, this next month brings you a plenty of time to try out a fresh new approach.

Virgo

Take a deep breath, Virgo. Saturn’s two and a half year challenge of your will and vitality is finally over! Over the past several months, you’ve been confronted with authority figures and been given opportunities to take control over the direction of your life. This next phase of Saturn will inspire you to tame your personal finances and define your personal values over the next few years. Be sure to take time to treat yourself on Wednesday before casting your meticulous gaze towards your bank balance.

Libra

It may not be comfortable or pleasant, Libra, but it’s time to step up and take accountability for your actions. Are you acting authentically or compromising your behavior to please others? Starting Wednesday, and lasting the next few years, you’ll find yourself presented with a number of scenarios that will be best dealt with by standing strong in your power. It may not be easy, but you’ll certainly benefit in the long run. As a sort of astrological consolation prize, any weight loss efforts you make over the next several months will be handsomely rewarded.

Scorpio

This week begins cozy and comfortable and soon turns into a dash for cash. Be on the lookout for financial aberrations or irregularities in your bank account on Wednesday and Thursday. A calm weekend at home with friends will round out a potentially dicey week as someone close to you clues you in to some things you might not be ready to hear.

Sagittarius

The mopey energy that begins this week does a 180 by the time Friday rolls around. Don’t get stuck trying to analyze your feelings or suss out what’s got you down on Monday, it’s just one of those things. Keep your eyes focused on Friday instead when luck is definitely on your side. Your lucky streak won’t last through the weekend, so enjoy it while it’s here. Even if you’re not the gambling type, a night out or a game with friends is more enjoyable than usual.

Capricorn

You know that all the massive personal changes you’ve been making over the past several months will be one day rewarded, Capricorn, and this Friday you may get your first taste of confirmation as the ruler of your chart enters fair and balanced Libra. Recognition and financial gain may both come your way by the end of the week, but what’s more exciting is that this alignment ushers in a two year window during which you’re well-poised to chart the courses of your personal life and financial freedom. As always, your planning will be sure to come in handy.

Aquarius

While a part of you secretly enjoys watching global institutions fail left and right, how strong is your vision for what you would like to see in its place? For the next several months, your image of the big picture is going to come second to the little pieces and guiding principles that get you there. The time will soon come for you to cap your bleeding heart with rules and schedules which ensure the best for everyone in your circle of friends and family. Consider this while you enjoy a relaxing weekend with your eclectic posse.

Pisces

The world may seem scarier than usual this week, Pisces, but the women in your life continue to be a source of support. Monday and Tuesday may bring more scrutiny in your work performance than you would care to have. Friday can bring difficulty reconciling your financial realities and your social network. It may be more rejuvenating for you to take a weekend break from your friends and associates. With so many voices and ideas flying around, it’s hard for you to hang on to your own thoughts and ideas. Some down time refills your cup.

Rudhyar’s Sabian Symbol Structure

Dave Mockaitis — Mon, 24 May 2010 13:31:43 +0000

Below, I’ve posted an outline schematic of Dane Rudhyar’s understanding of the structure of Sabian Symbols. I started looking at this a while ago in a series of posts about Mercury retrograding through a particular swath of Sabian symbols. As you can see, Rudhyar’s a micromanager when it comes to the symbols, clumping them into tidy five degree chunks which serve as the building blocks for a grand, cyclical narrative. Rudhyar presented this understanding of the symbols in An Astrological Mandala, where he worked closely with the symbols discovered by Elsie Wheeler as assisted by Marc Edmund Jones. In the text, he posits an additional wealth of interconnections within the symbols. For instance, he finds thematic patterns in symbols of the same degree and in particular geometric relationship to each other (particularly the quintile and the square) to name just a few. Rudhyar’s system is a tight, cohesive whole.

I’ve been working pretty closely with the Sabian symbols for the last several years, and Rudhyar’s text has been foundational in my interpretation of the individual symbols. However, I find myself poring over my notes about his structure because I can’t help but think he projects more meaning onto the system than is actually there. Rudhyar’s interpretations are rife with the language of modern psychological astrology: transcendence, the evolution of consciousness and transformation are the primary characters in his grand story. I prefer to consider Sabian symbols the same way contemporary astrologers consider asteroids. They are additional stories, ideas or objects that emphasize and fortify themes that are probably indicated elswhere in the chart. Interpreting a chart with regards to the Sabian symbols is a conscious choice to approach the birth chart with yet another symbolic filter. What’s important is that the symbols resonate with the chart and the topic of the horoscope, it makes no difference if the symbols bear any form of internal structure or consistency. In fact, I think it is this tendency towards categorization that actually diminishes the expressive range of the symbols. The images no longer are allowed to speak for themselves, but instead reiterate a different shade of the repeating story of transformation and growth.

1st Hemicycle: Individualization

Act 1: Differentiation
- Scene 1: Desire – Aries 1–15
  - Actional Phase – Aries 1–5
  - Emotional-Cultural Phase – Aries 6–10
  - Individual-Mental Phase – Aries 11–15
- Scene 2: Potency – Aries 16–30
  - Actional Phase – Aries 16–20
  - Emotional-Cultural Phase – Aries 21–25
  - Individual-Mental Phase – Aries 26–30
- Scene 3: Substantiation – Taurus 1–15
  - Actional Phase – Taurus 1–5
  - Emotional-Cultural Phase – Taurus 6–10
  - Individual-Mental Phase – Taurus 11–15
- Scene 4: Confirmation – Taurus 16–30
  - Actional Phase – Taurus 16–20
  - Emotional-Cultural Phase – Taurus 21–25
  - Individual-Mental Phase – Taurus 26–30
- Scene 5: Discovery – Gemini 1–15
  - Actional Phase – Gemini 1–5
  - Emotional-Cultural Phase – Gemini 6–10
  - Individual-Mental Phase – Gemini 11–15
- Scene 6: Exteriorization – Gemini 16–30
  - Actional Phase – Gemini 16–20
  - Emotional-Cultural Phase – Gemini 21–25
  - Individual-Mental Phase – Gemini 26–30
Act 2: Stabilization
- Scene 7: Decision – Cancer 1–15
  - Actional Phase – Cancer 1–5
  - Emotional-Cultural Phase – Cancer 6–10
  - Individual-Mental Phase – Cancer 11–15
- Scene 8: Consolidation – Cancer 16-30
  - Actional Phase – Cancer 16–20
  - Emotional-Cultural Phase – Cancer 21–25
  - Individual-Mental Phase – Cancer 26–30
- Scene 9: Combustion – Leo 1–15
  - Actional Phase – Leo 1–5
  - Emotional-Cultural Phase – Leo 6–10
  - Individual-Mental Phase – Leo 11–15
- Scene 10: Release – Leo 16–30
  - Actional Phase – Leo 16–20
  - Emotional-Cultural Phase – Leo 21–25
  - Individual-Mental Phase – Leo 26–30
- Scene 11: Characterization – Virgo 1–15
  - Actional Phase – Virgo 1–5
  - Emotional-Cultural Phase – Virgo 6–10
  - Individual-Mental Phase – Virgo 11–15
- Scene 12: Education – Virgo 16–30
  - Actional Phase – Virgo 16–20
  - Emotional-Cultural Phase – Virgo 21–25
  - Individual-Mental Phase – Virgo 26–30

2nd Hemicycle: Collectivization

Act 3: Group-Integration
- Scene 13: Transformation – Libra 1–15
  - Actional Phase – Libra 1–5
  - Emotional-Cultural Phase – Libra 6–10
  - Individual-Mental Phase – Libra 11–15
- Scene 14: Reconstruction – Libra 16–30
  - Actional Phase – Libra 16–20
  - Emotional-Cultural Phase – Libra 21–25
  - Individual-Mental Phase – Libra 26–30
- Scene 15: Communion – Scorpio 1–15
  - Actional Phase – Scorpio 1–5
  - Emotional-Cultural Phase – Scorpio 6–10
  - Individual-Mental Phase – Scorpio 11–15
- Scene 16: Faith – Scorpio 16–30
  - Actional Phase – Scorpio 16–20
  - Emotional-Cultural Phase – Scorpio 21–25
  - Individual-Mental Phase – Scorpio 26–30
- Scene 17: Abstraction – Sagittarius 1–15
  - Actional Phase – Sagittarius 1–5
  - Emotional-Cultural Phase – Sagittarius 6–10
  - Individual-Mental Phase – Sagittarius 11–15
- Scene 18: Transference – Sagittarius 16–30
  - Actional Phase – Sagittarius 16–20
  - Emotional-Cultural Phase – Sagittarius 21–25
  - Individual-Mental Phase – Sagittarius 26–30
Act 4: Capitalization
- Scene 19: Crystallization – Capricorn 1–15
  - Actional Phase – Capricorn 1–5
  - Emotional-Cultural Phase – Capricorn 6–10
  - Individual-Mental Phase – Capricorn 11–15
- Scene 20: Group-Performance – Capricorn 16–30
  - Actional Phase – Capricorn 16–20
  - Emotional-Cultural Phase – Capricorn 21–25
  - Individual-Mental Phase – Capricorn 26–30
- Scene 21: Contribution – Aquarius 1–15
  - Actional Phase – Aquarius 1–5
  - Emotional-Cultural Phase – Aquarius 6–10
  - Individual-Mental Phase – Aquarius 11–15
- Scene 22: Management – Aquarius 16–30
  - Actional Phase – Aquarius 16–20
  - Emotional-Cultural Phase – Aquarius 21–25
  - Individual-Mental Phase – Aquarius 26–30
- Scene 23: Federation – Pisces 1–15
  - Actional Phase – Pisces 1–5
  - Emotional-Cultural Phase – Pisces 6–10
  - Individual-Mental Phase – Pisces 11–15
- Scene 24: Perpetuation – Pisces 16–30
  - Actional Phase – Pisces 16–20
  - Emotional-Cultural Phase – Pisces 21–25
  - Individual-Mental Phase – Pisces 26–30