by Mr. Astrology
On December 27, 1571, one of the greatest historical astronomers, Johannes Kepler, was born in Weil der Stadt in the Holy Roman Empire, now a part of Germany. Guests at the inn of his grandfather would give him mathematical problems to solve, and were amazed at the swiftness and accuracy of his calculations. When he was nine years old, his mother Katherina took him outside to witness the lunar eclipse. The memory of the crimson disk glowing in the night would be an image that would inspire him for the rest of his life. In his book Mystery of the Cosmos, Kepler observed that Venus and Mercury always appear to be in close proximity to the Sun, unlike Saturn, Jupiter and Mars. He reasoned that this is because Venus’s and Mercury’s orbits are closer to the Sun than Earth’s. If the Earth centered theory was correct, then there would be no reason why Venus and Mercury would be observed always close to the Sun. It follows then that the sun would rightfully occupy its privileged position as the center of the solar system! Aries March 21-April 20 On the 3rd Mercury enters your 1st house of self. People may want to rely on you for counsel or friendly conversation because of your upbeat and encouraging demeanor. Your outlook is more cerebral than usual. Your ruling planet Mars forms a harmonious aspect with lucky Jupiter on the 17th. You possess willpower, energy, and enthusiasm that you can aim toward completing your more spiritual goals in life. Taurus April 21-May 21 Your ruling planet Venus squares off with powerful Pluto on the 11th. Looking for new points of view offers resolutions. You can progress beyond the strain by clearing up any relationship difficulties. On the 19th the Sun illuminates your 1st house of self. Watch for new developments in your creativity, personal identity and expression. Gemini May 22-June 20 On the 10th your ruling planet Mercury is in a beneficial configuration with Saturn. Under this transit, concrete results and accomplishments are what satisfy you. Venus enters your 12th house of solitude on the 14th. Take time out to refresh and renew your spirit. Cancer June 21-July 21 Your ruling planet the Moon enters your 10th house of career on the 11th. Success depends on previous preparation, failing to prepare is preparing to fail. On the 23rd Mars enters your 1st house of self, giving you energy, self-confidence and drive. Keep things in balance by taking some time to relax. Leo July 22-Aug. 22 On the 19th your ruling planet the Sun enters your 10th house of public standing. Congratulations on a job well done! Initiating a month where you pay extra attention to your occupation. New starts can take place in your profession that can effectively modify its path. The Sun squares off with Pluto on the 16th. Others seem to be contending for power. Be as truthful as possible to prevent complications in the future. You realize appearances can be misleading. Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Your ruling planet Mercury races into your 8th house of shared resources on the 3rd, strengthening your intuition and making it easy for you to read between the lines. On the 17th Mercury creates a harmonious aspect to assertive Mars. Trust your instincts! This is a good time to devote your energy to nurturing things that signify long-term security. Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 On the 14th your ruling planet Venus enters your 8th house of sexuality. It’s time to take a partnership to the next stage. Venus forms a beneficial configuration with warrior Mars on the 6th. You’ve got an abundance of drive and can complete many tasks. Taking the initiative in close personal interactions feels satisfying during this transit. Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 22 On the 23rd Mars enters your 9th house of journeys and higher learning. Others seem to be especially opinionated. It is best to reserve judgment for the time being. Mercury forms a helpful angle to your ruling planet Pluto on the 2nd. If you concentrate, nothing can interfere with your achievements. You can muscle through any test and emerge triumphant. Sagittarius Nov. 23-Dec. 21 Your ruling planet Jupiter harmonizes with the Sun on 15th. You’re full of enthusiasm and energy. Impediments seem to just miraculously vanish! On the 26th the Moon enters your 12th house of solitude. Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop. Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 20 Mercury forms a beneficial configuration with your ruling planet Saturn on the 10th. Focus on those things that require time and effort. You’re developing something of continuing worth. The Moon lights up your 4th house of home and family on the 11th. You will be enjoying some long overdue rest and relaxation with those you love. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed as a caregiver, take some time to nurture yourself. Aquarius Jan. 21-Feb. 19 On the 22nd, Venus teams up with your ruling planet Uranus. You’ll be amazed at the benefits received from taking a fresh approach with a friend! Mars enters your 6th house of service on the 23rd. This alignment can assist you in working effectively. Roll your sleeves up and get cracking! Pisces Feb. 20-March 20 On the 29th Mercury harmonizes with your ruling planet Neptune. Sensitivity and creativity are emphasized during this alignment. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! The Moon illuminates your 9th house of journeys and higher learning on the 26th, potentially causing boredom or anxiety in regards to your ideas and principles. Making an effort to remedy this will be fulfilling. In 1600 Johannes Kepler moved to the town of Benatek, Bohemia in the modern-day Czech Republic. Tycho Brahe, the Imperial Mathematician to Emperor Rudolph II, had constructed an observatory there where he performed some of the most rigorous celestial observations that had ever been conducted until that time. Working with Brahe, he eventually gained use of Brahe’s meticulous records. With this new data he concluded that the solar system’s planets do not follow circular paths as previously asserted by Nicolas Copernicus, but instead follow elliptical paths. In 1610 Kepler heard the news that Galileo had discovered four moons orbiting Jupiter using his powerful and advanced new telescope design. Kepler improved the design using two convex lenses instead of one which enabled greater magnification. Kepler’s design is still the standard for modern refracting telescopes. Kepler’s work provided the foundation for Sir Isaac Newton to discover the law of universal gravitation. When Newton said that he had been able to see further by standing on the shoulders of giants, one among many giants he was referring to was most certainly Johannes Kepler. Have a great month, and always remember – keep looking to the stars!