By Mr. Astrology
Sir William Herschel is one of the most significant observers in the history of astronomy. Herschel’s pioneering discoveries blazed a trail for others to follow, building on his methodical observations and systematic survey of the universe.
Sir William Herschel was born in the Electorate of Hanover on November 15, 1738. The son of a musician, Herschel joined his father in the Military Band of Hanover. In 1757, during the Seven Years’ War, Herschel sought sanctuary in Great Britain and worked as a composer, conductor, and organist at the Octagon Chapel in Bath. Fascinated by the relationships between nature, mathematics and musical harmony, he advanced from Smith’s Harmonics to his book Opticks and Ferguson’s Astronomy.
On March 13, 1781, in the garden of his house at 19 New King Street, Herschel observed a small, shining, disk-shaped object. He discovered its circular orbit lay well beyond the orbit of Saturn, the outermost of the seven then-known classical planets. The object was the planet Uranus, the first new planet to be discovered in human history.
Aries March 21-April 20 On the 6th your ruling planet Mars teams up with Jupiter. All systems go! You possess willpower, verve, and energy that you can direct toward achieving your more lofty goals. Venus enters your 11th house of community on the 17th, imparting a pleasurable sense of camaraderie and graciousness to all your social activities.
Taurus April 21-May 21 Your ruling planet Venus forms a beneficial configuration with Neptune on the 3rd. Other people seem to be particularly considerate and sympathetic to you. Love is all around! On the 16th the Moon illuminates your 9th house of journeys and higher learning, fueling a desire for progress and development.
Gemini May 22-June 20 Your ruling planet Mercury is in an advantageous arrangement with Jupiter on the 25th. The focus under this influence is favorable for spiritual growth and expanding the frontiers of your consciousness! On the 26th Mars enters your 7th house of partnerships. Learn to write your hurts in the sand, and to carve your benefits in stone.
Cancer June 21-July 21 On the 16th your ruling planet the Moon lights up your 7th house of partnerships, providing opportunities for new relationships. Venus enters your 8th house of shared resources on the 17th. It’s time to take a partnership to the next stage.
Leo July 22-Aug. 22 Your ruling planet Sun joins with Venus on the 8th. You’ll have no problems in drawing the attention of a potential love interest! It will be simple matter to get your wish granted on this day! On the 10th Mercury enters your 6th house of health and service. The emphasis is on health, fitness, and feelings of objectivity.
Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 On the 1st the Moon enters your 11th house of community. This signifies a new phase in your public life. Consider what skills you may want to contribute in support of your community. Your ruling planet Mercury teams up with Pluto on the 24th, allowing access to enticing ideas that can assist you in creating a winning plan!
Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Jupiter is in a helpful configuration with your ruling planet Venus on the 8th. Sociability and hopefulness characterize this transit. You are generous and extroverted. On the 31st the Moon illuminates your 11th house of community. This is a more outgoing transit of the Moon, rendering you more sympathetic to the feelings of others in your group.
Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 22 The Sun merges with your ruling planet Pluto on the 9th, drawing attention to issues of power and transformation. You can uncover abilities you never knew you possessed! On the 31st Mercury enters your 4th house of home and family. For the next four weeks family exchanges feel beneficial and illuminating.
Sagittarius Nov. 23-Dec. 21 On the 6th Mars joins up with your ruling planet Jupiter. Be attentive to the job at hand, and resist the temptation to be overly competitive when demonstrating your capabilities. The Sun enters your 3rd house of communications on the 19th. Over the next four weeks, discover new parts of your community. You can gain valuable insights.
Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 20 Mercury unites with your ruling planet Saturn on the 12th. Communications flow easily. Make an effort to distinguish fact from fantasy. On the 26th Mars enters your 11th house of community. It was not by gold or by silver, but by labor, that all wealth of the world was originally purchased.
Aquarius Jan. 21-Feb. 19 On the 6th Mercury forms a beneficial configuration with your ruling planet Uranus. During this transit, achieving progress seems effortless. The Moon lights up your 7th house of partnerships on the 31st, sowing the seeds of a new relationship.
Pisces Feb. 20-March 20 The Sun harmonizes with your ruling planet Neptune on the 2nd. Being philosophical in your outlook seems natural! You feel a strong sense of compassion for others. On the 26th Mars enters your 10th house of career. You are resolute in your determination to receive accolades for a job well done.
In 1789, Herschel was given a 4000-pound grant from King George III to construct an enormous new 40-foot telescope. He conducted a survey of the stars of the Milky Way and added over 2400 new nebulae or interstellar clouds to the list of known objects.
Herschel subscribed to the theory that some nebulae were galaxies or “island universes” that were being observed at greater distances than previously ever conceived of; therefore it was logical to conclude that our own Milky Way too was just one of these countless “island universes”. This epiphany would help lead to the discoveries made in the 20th century that our galaxy truly is but just one of many billions and billions of galaxies that populate the universe! Have a great month, and always remember: Keep looking to the stars!