Aquarius 2019 edition:

Welcome 2019! ASTROFEST One Day Conference Speakers and Talks Pi in the Sky -Brian Clark (VIC)

FAASA Programme

Calendar for 2019

From the President

Welcome to 2019! Let’s hope that it brings each and every one of you the best possible outcomes

in whatever you do. FAASA is starting the year with a bang, with our Astrofest conference, 10 am

– 4 pm on Sunday January 27th. We are hosting the FAA National Council meeting here in

Adelaide on January 26. The National Council is a representative body that makes decisions that

affect all FAA members, runs the exam system, organises conferences and finances the Journal. A

percentage of your subscription money goes to the National body to fund these things. All the

states are represented, as well as the Exam Board and the Association of Professional astrologers

(APA). SA is represented by Kris Svendsen and myself, but we also have Judy Best on the council

in her role as Journal Editor. Judy is responsible for the amazing new format Journal, which has

received such a positive response from you.

We are incredibly fortunate that 5 of the council members have volunteered to present a one-day

conference for us, which we have called Astrofest. There is plenty of information about them in

the newsletter. They are all respected astrologers and I know you will enjoy the depth and

diversity of the lectures.

Because this comes at a time when membership fees are due, we realise that there may be some

financial issues, and we don’t want you to miss out. Therefore, if you pay your subs before or at

the conference, it will cost you only $40 for the day. Make sure you get there early if you are

paying subs – this can take a while and we want to start right on 10 am.

What a great way to get 2019 on its way – I hope I see you there!

May love and laughter light your days Cate

FAASA 2019 Events

Sunday, January 27, 10 am - 4pm Astrofest : One Day Conference February 9, 2 pm - 2019: The Year Ahead - Alice Portman, Mari Garcia

March 16, 2 pm - The Jackpot Queen. Gambling Success and Astrology Victoria Powell April 13, 2 pm - Sunrise, Sunset. The Twelfth and Sixth Houses Cate Whelan May 11, 10 am - 4 pm Workshop: Astrology and Health - Kira Sutherland June 8, 2 pm - The Saturn Pluto Conjunction. Here it goes again! Joy Usher July 13, 2 pm - One Chart 4 Ways. Kris Svensden, Jill Amery, Adrienne Barkla, Vivienne Lowe

Special January Event . . .

Astrofest - A Feast of Australian Astrology

Sunday, January 27, 10 am - 4 pm

TS Rooms South Tce. More info: wwwfaasa.com.au

If paid with your membership subscription Conference cost is just $40 for the day

Introducing Our 5 Featured Speakers and Talks

Veronica Chlap

(QLD): Rise of

Trolling: the

Antisocial Behaviour

of the Internet

It all began under the Uranus/Neptune conjunction in the early 90’s. My talk will examine this

conjunction, and look at how the behaviour has evolved by examining the progressions, and other

major transits to the chart. I will use the 90 degree dial, and Ebertin’s interpretations for

Uranus/Neptune, to shed some new insights on this conjunction, as Ebertin states back in 1944

“this configuration does not occur in the present generation.”

Biography

Veronica began her astrological studies in the mid 90’s studying with Doris Greaves (dec) in

Canberra, obtaining her diploma of Astrology at the Regulus Ebertin School of Astrology run by

Doris in 1999. She was active in the Canberra Astrology Group, along with notable

astrologer, Roderick Kidston (dec).

In 2001 she relocated to Brisbane and joined the QFA where she was the Acrux editor for a

number of years. Veronica also ran an online web site undertaking online astrological counselling

for 12 years. She is currently the QFA president.

Dr Neil Hair (NSW): A Tale of Two Cities: Mundane

Astrology and Australia's Saturn Return Prime

Ministers

Australia experienced its fourth Saturn Return and fourth Saturn conjunction to natal Sun in

2018. Judging by past returns under Prime Ministers Scullin, Menzies and Hawke, mundane

astrologers were eager to see how Prime Minister Turnbull would advance the leadership themes

of 1930, 1959 and 1989. As fate would have it, Malcolm Turnbull stage-managed his own demise

through a “second mutiny” on renewable energy, and was “missing in action” at critical Saturn

timings! Unwilling or unable to play the “role of Saturn-Sun” domestically, Turnbull submitted

within days when “challenged by Saturn”, personified by Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton.

Neil will review the achievements of Australia’s “Saturn Return” Prime Ministers, including the

surreal time of 2018 when Prime Ministers 29 and 30 serially occupied the stage. Prime ministerial

synastry to the national chart always raises an interesting conundrum: which chart to use? Neil’s

initial foray into mundane astrology in the 1980’s directed him to the Melbourne Chart; later in the

1990s to the Sydney Chart rectified by Gwen Stoney. Discussions with Jill Amery following the FAA

Conference prompted Neil to re-investigate this dual account of Australia’s journey, which he will

discuss in “A Tale of Two Cities”.

Biography

Dr Neil Hair is President of the Astrology Association of NSW and Principal of the Sydney School

of Numerology. He specialises in mundane astrology and numerology and has researched world

events daily for over 30 years to validate theories. Neil has spoken at FAA International

Conferences, teaches numerology courses and workshops and underlines the fundamental

significance of astrology to budding numerologists. He consults to individuals and businesses using

a unique blend of astrology and numerology, and also enjoys teaching chemistry and biochemistry

to natural health students in Sydney. Neil is working on a book on numerology, publishes articles

on world affairs and election forecasting, presenting an astrological and numerological view. He is

passionate about the links between spirituality and science.

Jeannie Monks (QLD): Dancing with the Grim

Reaper: Death, Loss and Beyond

“There is a time for everything . . . . .

a time to be born and a time to die . . .

a time to plant and a time to uproot . . .

a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance . . . ”

Ecclesiastes 3

Biography

Jeanni brings her lifetime of in-depth experiences and wisdom into her teaching, writing and

counselling. Passionately merging her astrological and psychological knowledge into her work as a

teacher and psychotherapist, Jeanni believes that “a true teacher has the gift of generosity of

knowledge, wisdom and spirit”.

She has a BA in Psychology, a post-graduate diploma in Education/ Counselling; Masters in

Esoteric Psychology & holds the FAA (Federation of Australian Astrologers) Practitioners

Diploma. Jeanni is the Vice-President of the APA (Association of Professional Astrologers) and is

an active committee member with the QFA (Queensland Federation of Astrologers) and an

examiner on the FAA Examination Board.

Jeanni conducts astrology classes from Beginners to Advanced levels and is an empowering

astrotherapist in ‘soul purpose’ horoscope consultations. She works with the ‘Spirit of Women’

flower essences, for deep spiritual healing; and is available for one-to-one & skype consultations,

lectures and workshops. Jeanni is dedicated to promoting the spiritual journey and the evolution

of human consciousness.

Mobile: 0407 324 861. Email: jeannimonks@gmail.com Website: jeannimonks.com

Christina Stargazer

(NSW): Pre-natal

Eclipses: Your Life

Lessons

As the name describes, a “Pre-Natal Eclipse” is a Solar or Lunar Eclipse that occurred during your

time in utero. These pre-natal eclipses describe the energy that the Universe has invested in you

and any possible karmic lessons to share during your stay here on Earth. It’s a karmic contract,

describing lessons to learn and share as part of your Soul’s growth.

A Solar Eclipse whilst you are in utero describes your responsibilities to the collective during your

lifetime. The gifts the Universe has given to share with and teach others. If used wisely the

lesson can ease your own burdens.

A Lunar Eclipse describes what is needed for your own Soul’s growth. Describing what you have

mailto:jeannimonks@gmail.com

to learn, where you can be hurt and continue any Soul growth. Some suggest that evolved Souls

co-operate with these Universal contracts by sharing Solar teachings and mastering Lunar lessons.

These lessons can be used positively or negatively, the choice is yours. For example your lesson

may be to teach honesty. You can ether teach others this lesson by being honest yourself or by

being dishonest, the choice is yours. Others will still learn about honesty but can become a

negative for you. As usual, the sign describes what we are teaching or learning and the house

shows us where we will teach or where we will learn it. Gain a little insight into your Soul’s code.

Biography

Christine Thomas (aka Christina Stargazer) is a consultant, researcher and writer who

practices Astrology and Numerology in NSW, Australia. She has also studied with Doreen Virtue to

become an advanced Angel Intuitive. Christine teaches Astrology to a professional level and

facilitates workshops and presents to a variety of community and social groups. Christine has

spoken at Federation of Australian Astrologers Conferences, Breaking Down the Borders Online

Conference and co-coordinates the South Coast Astrology Group. She specialises in Horary

Astrology (The Art of Asking a Question) and is trained to facilitate Circle Work.

Christine currently sits on the Committee of the Astrologer Association NSW

(http://www.astrologynsw.com.au/), was Co Convenor of the 21st FAA International Astrology

Conference in 2016, serves as a NSW Representative on the National Council of the Federation of

Australia Astrologers, is a member of the Association of Professional Astrologers

(http://www.apainc.org.au/) and held a position on the international Association for Astrological

Networking (AFAN) Steering Committee (http://www.afan.org/). Christine’s astrological writings

have been published in magazines including BIG LEAGUE ® and TRIBE ® Magazines. Currently

Orbits Newsletter Editor and AANSW website Mistress.

https://faasa.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5427327e29ccd1785ee1caef4&id=f30da326e9&e=27f35d8448https://faasa.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5427327e29ccd1785ee1caef4&id=b86065ac75&e=27f35d8448https://faasa.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5427327e29ccd1785ee1caef4&id=7cb8350d65&e=27f35d8448

Brian Clark (VIC) Mercury: Travels, Transitions and

Timing

In the recent Mountain Astrologer, Brian’s article on Mercury (included below) is subtitled Pi in the

Sky revealing the planet’s sacred geometry and synodic cycle. In this presentation Brian considers

Mercury’s thoroughfare through the heavens, which forms an extraordinary cycle with the Sun.

Being the god of the roads, we will focus on Mercury as a guide on our path on life, using its

course through the heavens to inspire us, considering the phases it creates with the Sun, its

retrograde periods, its rising and setting and his fondness for numbers and astrology.

Biography

Brian Clark is the creator of the Astro*Synthesis distance learning program which has been

shaped from his experience as an astrological student and educator over the past 40+ years

(www.astrosynthesis.com.au). He is the author of many student publications, as well as three

recent books – Vocation: the Astrology of Career, Creativity and Calling, The Family Legacy

and From the Moment We Met: the Astrology of Adult Relationships. Brian has his MA in

Classics and Archaeology from the University of Melbourne and has been honoured with lifetime

membership from the VAA, the FAA and the APA.

Article:

https://faasa.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5427327e29ccd1785ee1caef4&id=22a65a728c&e=27f35d8448

Pi in the Sky - Brian Clark (VIC)

Mythic Mercury has a penchant for mathematical symmetry. He is the god of the classroom, yet

with one wave of his hypnotic wand, he can induce drowsiness in his students — two sides of his

learning curve. As the astrological ruler of Gemini, he pairs and duplicates; as the ruler of Virgo, he

respects precision and measurement. And together, with his brother Apollo, the Sun, he weaves

his pattern of Pi in the heavens.

Mercury’s cycle reveres the sacredness of geometry through the mathematical constant of Pi that

is etched on the heavens in this planet’s cycle with the Sun. The numerical paradigm of Pi states

that the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter is always approximately 3.14. This reminds

us of the connection between infinite (the circle) and linear (the diameter) ways of knowing. When

we are in Mercurial space, we are in between — moving between imagination and intellect. This

ratio is represented by the Greek letter π; hence Mercury is embedded in the alphabet, a word

which combines the first two Greek letters alpha and beta. All seminal Greek words were

conceived in the union between logic and symbol, the two hemispheres that Mercury travels

between. Mercury is the god of the hieroglyph which, literally translated, suggests a sacred

carving. His heavenly hieroglyph is Pi, or 3.14.

The Infinite Intelligence of Randomness

Mercury’s cycle of 22 conjunctions in 7 years aligns with Pi, an infinite number, whose subsequent

decimal digits progress endlessly. Mercury invites us into his seemingly unplanned world, where

intelligence is based not only on reason, but also on participation and transition. When we are in

between and in motion, Mercury stirs thoughts and memories that reconnect us to the world we

are passing through.

The affinity of Mercury’s synodic cycle with this mathematical and astronomical transcendent

number can be shown in two ways:

1. Each Sun–Mercury cycle is an average of 116 days; therefore, in one year it completes

3.14 cycles (365.25 divided by 116).

2. The zodiacal location where the Sun–Mercury cycle begins repeats itself again in seven

years, approximately 7–8 degrees and days earlier. Between these repetitions, there are 22

inferior conjunctions or new cycles - the 22/7 ratio is often used to approximate Pi, or 3.14. For

instance, Table 1 begins with the first inferior conjunction of April 2, 2018 at 11°56’ Aries. Seven

years earlier, the inferior conjunction was on April 10, 2011 at 19°36’ Aries, while the next one will

be seven years later on March 24, 2025 at 4°24’ Aries. Between each of these times, there are 22

inferior conjunctions.

Table 1 lists the 22 inferior conjunctions for two 7-year periods, given in Universal Time (UT).

Mercury will always be retrograde at the inferior conjunction, which is the midpoint of its

retrogradation subcycle.

Table 1: Sun–Mercury Inferior Conjunctions, 2018–31 (UT)

Number and Date of Inferior Conjunction

Zodiacal Degree Date of Inferior Conjunction Subsequent Cycle

Zodiacal Degree Subsequent Cycle

1. April 1, 2018 11°56’ ARI March 24, 2025 04°24’ ARI 2. Aug. 9, 2018 16°27’LEO Aug. 1, 2025 09°00’LEO 3. Nov. 27, 2018 05°03’ SAG Nov. 20, 2025 28°18’SCO 4. March 15, 2019 24°11’ PIS March 7, 2026 16°52’PIS 5. July 21, 2019 28°28’CAN July 13, 2026 20°42’CAN 6. Nov. 11, 2019 18°55’ SCO Nov. 5, 2026 12°10’SCO 7. Feb. 26, 2020 06°55’ PIS Feb. 19, 2027 29°47’AQU 8. July 1, 2020 09°44’CAN June 23, 2027 01°39’CAN 9. Oct. 25, 2020 02°47’SCO Oct. 19, 2027 26°01’LIB 10. Feb. 8, 2021 20°01’AQU Feb. 2, 2028 13°01’AQU 11. June 11, 2021 20°21’GEM June 2, 2028 12°06’GEM 12. Oct. 9, 2021 16°35’LIB Oct. 2, 2028 09°45’LIB 13. Jan. 23, 2022 03°22’AQU Jan. 16, 2029 26°29’CAP 14. May 21, 2022 00°43’GEM May 13, 2029 22°30’TAU 15. Sept. 23, 2022 00°14’LIB Sept. 16, 2029 23°18’VIR 16. Jan. 7, 2023 16°56’CAP Dec. 31, 2029 10°06’CAP 17. May 1, 2023 11°19’TAU April 23, 2030 03°21’TAU 18. Sept. 6, 2023 13°36’VIR Aug. 29 2030 06°32’VIR 19. Dec. 22, 2023 00°39’CAP Dec. 16, 2030 23°51’SAG 20. April 11, 2024 22°32’ARI April 5, 2031 14°51’ARI 21. Aug. 19, 2024 26°35’LEO Aug. 12, 2031 19°17’LEO 22. Dec. 6, 2024 14°27’SAG Nov. 30, 2031 07°40’ SAG

Note: The inferior conjunctions retrograde through elements and repeat every 7 years within an

orb of approximately 7 days or 7 degrees.

Where Pi becomes fascinating in terms of Mercury is that the meaning of its exact value is

unknowable, resulting in Pi being described as an “irrational number.” In other words, the pattern

of Pi, like Mercury, does not conform; perhaps because it embraces both finite and infinite

possibilities. Pi is engaged wherever there is a circle, and as we know, a circle is infinite, not finite:

no beginning, no end. Mathematical Mercury is irrational in the truest sense, in that it is unlimited

in possibilities. Mercurial space is liminal, in-between, often invisible and/or nonsensical, a

borderland. Here, between wakefulness and sleep, day and night, logic and symbol, we encounter

creative ways of knowing. As Pi in the sky, Mercury reminds us of the infinite possibilities of

thoughts, ideas, and movements as we explore the path of our life.

Times vary, but about one week before the inferior conjunction, Mercury sets in the evening to

visibly rise approximately a fortnight later, a week or so after the inferior conjunction. It will set in

the morning about a week before the superior conjunction and rise in the evening a week or so

later, a fortnight or more after its morning set. Mercury disappears from our skies, preparing to

change focus.

Table 2 (the dates read across in chronological order) traces the critical points in the Sun–Mercury

cycle, starting with the last inferior conjunction in 2018 (dates in UT).

Inferior

Conjunction

Stationary

Direct

Greatest

Western

Elongation

Superior

Conjunction

Greatest

Eastern

Elongation

Stationary

Retrograde

2018 Nov. 27 Dec. 6 Dec. 15 2019 Jan. 30 Feb. 27 March 5

March 15 March 28 April 11 May 21 June 23 July 8

July 21 Aug. 1 Aug. 9 Sept. 4 Oct. 20 Oct. 31

Nov. 11 Nov. 20 Nov. 28 2020 Jan. 10 Feb. 10 Feb. 17

Feb. 26 March 10 March 24 May 4 June 4 June 18

July 1 July 12 July 22 Aug. 17 Oct. 1 Oct. 14

Note: A confusing feature is the use of “east” and “west.” When Mercury is emerging from its

inferior conjunction, it is in the morning dawn, or east; however, being west of the Sun, this is

referred to as western elongation. Sometimes I think of it as going uptown, not downtown!

The average times between these phases in the average Mercury cycle of 116 days are as follows:

• Inferior conjunction to stationary direct: 11 days

• Stationary direct to greatest western (morning star) elongation: 10 days

• Greatest elongation to superior conjunction: 37 days

• Superior conjunction to greatest eastern (evening star) elongation: 37 days

• Greatest elongation to stationary retrograde: 10 days

• Stationary retrograde to inferior conjunction: 11 days

Table 3 shows the approximate zodiacal positions of the Sun and Mercury at critical points in their

cycle (UT).

Table 3: Sun–Mercury Zodiacal Positions at Critical Points, 2018–19

Inferior Conjunc-tion

Station Direct

Greatest Elongation as Morning Star (12:00 p.m.)

Superior Conjunc-tion

Greatest Elongation as Evening Star (12:00 p.m.)

Station Retro-grade

Inferior Conjunc-tion

Date 2018 Nov. 27

Dec. 6 Dec. 15 2019 Jan. 30

Feb. 27 March 5 March 15

Sun 05°03’ SAG

14°42’ SAG

23°27’ SAG 09°54’ AQU

08°35’PIS 14°52’ PIS

24°11’ PIS

Mercury 05°03’ SAG Rx

27°16’ SCO

02°17’ SAG 09°54’ AQU

26°39’ PIS 29°38’PIS Rx

24°11’PIS Rx

Going Through The Phases

Each planetary cycle has its own timing. It is tempting to always see time as chronological rather

than cyclic, rendering us metric rather than symbolic. We are often persuaded to see planetary

time as measured by the clock on the wall, rather than in the integrity of the planetary cycle.

When considering the time frame for writing an article, launching a campaign, or studying

architecture, the Mercurial cycle might be a better clock to consult.

As we have seen, Mercury has distinct crossroads in its synodic cycle: It begins at the inferior

conjunction, turns direct, reaches its greatest elongation as the morning star, disappears, then

conjoins the Sun again on the other side, reappears, reaches its greatest elongation as the evening

star, turns retrograde, and then renews its cycle at the next inferior conjunction. Each phase could

be seen as stages of the development of one idea or the mind in general. To reflect on this, I turn

to Dane Rudhyar’s revealing design of the eightfold developmental phases of the lunation cycle as

prototypical of any cycle. I have laid out the Sun–Mercury cycle using Rudhyar’s approach, not as

delineation or theory, but as a way of thinking about this developmental cycle. See Table 4.

Like the lunation cycle Mercury and the Sun have phases which I have adapted to Mercury’s

synodic cycle as a way to reflect on the fullness of its patterning.

Table 4: Phases of the Mercury Cycle

Phases of the

Lunation Cycle

Corresponding Phases of the Mercury Cycle

Average length: 116 days

(These can vary considerably due to the eccentricity of Mercury’s

orbit.

Mercurial Time

New Phase Inferior Conjunction to Stationary Direct

This phase can vary, but on average is 10–12 days.

Mercury leads the spirits out of the last cycle and the Underworld, so their essence may be brought to light.

Crescent Stationary Direct to Greatest Elongation

This phase might vary between one and two weeks, but on average is 11 days.

Instinctive and remembered ways of thinking are at a crossroads, with new developments taking place.

First Quarter Greatest Elongation as Morning Star to Morning Set

These phases are inclusive of the greatest elongation until morning set, when Mercury disappears as the morning star, and ends at the next conjunction, a period lasting about 5 weeks.

Ideas and insight release the Gemini spirit to find a way forward with new plans. The Virgo attitude of discrimination, focus, and craft can later be applied to bring these ideas to fruition. This is the time of preparing, arranging, editing the new ideas and projects.

Gibbous Morning Set to Superior Conjunction

Full

Superior Conjunction to Evening Rise

These phases last from the superior conjunction to evening rise, when Mercury reappears as the evening star, through to its greatest elongation, a period lasting about 5 weeks.

This is the time to reflect and harvest insights and initiatives that have been applied towards the goal. It is time to disseminate the design, share the products of your creative process, and articulate your methods. Disseminating

Evening Rise to Greatest Elongation as Evening Star

Last Quarter Greatest Elongation to Stationary Retrograde

This can vary, but on average is 11 days.

Thinking becomes more introspective and philosophical, looking back to look forward.

Balsamic Stationary Retrograde to Inferior Conjunction

This phase can vary between 9 and 14 days, but on average is 10–12 days.

It is time to gather in ideas and, in the privacy of personal space, journal what has taken place, for future reference.

So come along and celebrate the new

year with an Astrological Feast with our

interstate colleagues!

Editor's Note: This newsletter is sent out via Mailchimp and is designed to be viewed on a

computer screen. Please be aware that some formatting may be lost if opened on a mobile

phone.

Copyright © 2019 Federation of Australian Astrologers, South Australia, All rights reserved.

As a member of FAASA, you automatically become a subscriber to our monthly newsletter.

Our mailing address is:

Federation of Australian Astrologers, South Australia

PO Box 7443

Hutt St

Adelaide, SA 5000

Australia

Add us to your address book

Want to change how you receive these emails?

You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

https://faasa.us14.list-manage.com/vcard?u=5427327e29ccd1785ee1caef4&id=c81f2f1f11https://faasa.us14.list-manage.com/profile?u=5427327e29ccd1785ee1caef4&id=c81f2f1f11&e=27f35d8448https://faasa.us14.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=5427327e29ccd1785ee1caef4&id=c81f2f1f11&e=27f35d8448&c=0e27c3268ehttps://faasa.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5427327e29ccd1785ee1caef4&id=885a65a07a&e=27f35d8448https://faasa.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5427327e29ccd1785ee1caef4&id=c57a0fbef5&e=27f35d8448https://faasa.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5427327e29ccd1785ee1caef4&id=595f7b5446&e=27f35d8448http://www.mailchimp.com/monkey-rewards/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=monkey_rewards&aid=5427327e29ccd1785ee1caef4&afl=1