By Mr. Astrology
Nicolaus Copernicus was born on February 19, 1473 in Torun, Poland. Copernicus was instrumental in establishing the concept that the sun exists at the center of our solar system, supplanting the previous models that positioned the earth at the center. In 1495, after studying at the University of Cracow, Bologna University and the Universities of Padua and Ferrara, Copernicus obtained a canon appointment back in Poland at Frombork Cathedral. This position allowed him the opportunity to finance the continuation of his studies for the rest of his life. During this time he continued to develop his own model of the solar system, the heliocentric system.
In the 2nd century the astronomer Ptolemy had produced a model of the solar system with the earth at the center. To account for the apparent motions of the planets he employed epicycles, small orbits that revolve within the circumference of a larger orbit around the earth. In an effort to resolve these irregularities, Copernicus correctly ascertained that it was the sun instead of the earth that lay at the center of the solar system, accomplishing one of the most significant and revolutionary breakthroughs in scientific history.
Aquarius Jan. 21-Feb. 19 Venus creates an advantageous alignment with your ruling planet Uranus on the 10th. Operating in the background on a creative project may impart you with an alluring radiance. People value your creative abilities a little more during this transit. On the 9th the Moon lights up your 7th house of partnerships. Dream big! Discover what is vital to you while also being considerate in your relationships.
Pisces Feb. 20-March 20 The Sun enters your 1st house of self on the 18th. Watch for new developments in your creativity, personal identity and expression. On the 25th Mercury teams up with unconventional Uranus. This aspect is beneficial in enhancing your relationship with the arts, religion and philosophy. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams!
Aries March 21-April 20 On the 7th Mercury is in a harmonious alignment with your ruling planet Mars. Trust your instincts! This is a good time to devote your energy to nurturing things that signify long-term security. Also that day, Venus graces your 1st house of self. After having taken time out to refresh and renew your spirit, new developments in your creative and romantic life can now take place!
Taurus April 21-May 21 Your ruling planet Venus forms a beneficial configuration with Saturn on the 5th. This indicates a great opportunity to ask for a raise or promotion, helping you to influence those in authority. On the 23rd, the Moon enters your 11th house of community. In building relationships, much success depends on previous preparation.
Gemini May 22-June 20 On the 5th your ruling planet Mercury creates a harmonious angle with Uranus. Your mind is razor sharp! Under this influence perceptions arrive seemingly from out of the blue! The Sun enters your 10th house of career on the 18th, initiating a month where you pay extra attention to your occupation. Congratulations on a job well done!
Cancer June 21-July 21 On the 9th the Moon enters your 2nd house of resources. If you sense you’ve been submerged focusing on minutiae, change your perspective to a larger world view. Mercury illuminates your 9th house of journeys and higher learning on the 3rd. Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.
Leo July 22-Aug. 22 On the 10th your ruling planet the Sun is in an advantageous alignment with unconventional Uranus. Your spirit yearns for fresh new experiences! Communicative Mercury enters your 8th house of shared resources on the 3rd, strengthening your intuition and making it easy for you to read between the lines.
Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 On the 17th the Sun teams up with your ruling planet Mercury, indicating an ideal opportunity to ask for a raise, a promotion, or to negotiate a deal. The Sun enters your 7th house of partnerships on the 18th. A new page is turned in your relationship life. You want to take it to the next stage or lessen your obligations.
Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 On the 18th the Sun enters your 6th house of health and service. For the next four weeks you are especially dedicated to your health and well-being. Your ruling planet Venus unites with Neptune on the 23rd. Make a wish. You’re prepared to generously provide something significant for the aid of another.
Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 22 Venus enters your 6th house of health on the 7th. Now would be a particularly advantageous time to go in for a checkup. On the 27th Venus forms a stressful alignment with your ruling planet Pluto. Your emotions are passionate. Take care to examine all sides of the situation at hand.
Sagittarius Nov. 23-Dec. 21 Mercury squares off with your ruling planet Jupiter on the 28th. It could be challenging harnessing your ideas for practical use. Try to avoid not seeing the trees for the forest. On the 23rd the Moon illuminates your 4th house of roots and family. Now would be a good time to explore further education and development of new skills.
Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 20 The Sun enters your 3rd house of communications on the 18th. Over the next four weeks, discover new parts of your community. You can gain valuable insights. On the 15th the Sun creates a harmonious configuration with your ruling planet Saturn. You display a mature, conscientious and confident personality to others. Someone that you love may inspire you to utilize your capabilities.
When Copernicus’s book De revolutionibus orbium coelestium (On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres) was published in 1543, Protestant leader Martin Luther declared his antagonism towards Copernicus’s heliocentric solar system model. Opposition began at first from Protestant factions rather than from the Catholic Church. The Protestant Reformation was emphasizing the Bible as the ultimate foundation of Christian knowledge and authority, and the proposition of a moving earth travelling around a stationary sun plainly contradicted among other passages in the Bible the story in the Book of Joshua stating that Joshua commanded the sun to stand still over Gibeon during the battle with the Amorites.
But Copernicus did not seem to be concerned regarding religious objections to his ideas. He was a respectable member of the clergy himself. He dedicated his book to Pope Paul III, and a cardinal and a bishop were among those who appealed to him to publish it. For 60 years after his death, Copernicus’s concepts were studied and taught at the top Catholic universities. It was not until March 5, 1616, 73 years after his death, that his book De revolutionibus orbium coelestium was banned by the Catholic Church.
The Protestant Church ended their resistance to Copernicanism relatively swiftly after it became apparent that the evidence in support of a sun-centered system was overwhelming. However, the Catholic Church was a much bigger traditionalistic and bureaucratic organization, and remained unyielding in regards to its anti-Copernican positions for over two centuries, until 1822, when its ban on Copernicus was lifted, and in 1835 when his book was removed from the Index Librorum Prohibitorum (List of Prohibited Books). In fact, it was not until 1992 that Pope John Paul II lifted the edict of inquisition against the next major proponent of heliocentrism, Galileo. Copernicus’s breakthrough contributions to science, religion and philosophy revolutionized our understanding of our place in the cosmos and transformed our view of the world forever, opening our minds up to the vast scope of possibilities existing within the infinite ocean of the universe! Have a great month, and always remember: keep looking to the stars!