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 universe!
Aries March 21-April 20 On the 7th Venus enters your 9th house of higher learning. It’s time to take your education to the next stage.Your ruling planet Mars squares off with powerful Pluto on the 22nd. The tremendous energy you have at your disposal now should be used constructively or you might find you are just spinning your wheels.
Taurus April 21-May 21 Your ruling planet gracious Venus squares off with Neptune on the 26th. Truth, compassion, faith and imagination are themes that characterize this transit. On the 23rd the Sun enters your 7th house of partnership. You want to take it to the next stage or lessen your obligations.
Gemini May 22-June 20 On the 3rd your ruling planet communicative Mercury harmonizes with lucky Jupiter. Concrete results and accomplishments are what satisfy you. The Sun enters your 6th house of health and wellness on the 22nd. For the next four weeks you are especially dedicated to your health and well-being.
Cancer June 21-July 21 On the 22nd the Sun lights up your 5th house of creativity! For the next four weeks, arts and leisure activities feel beneficial and illuminating. Your ruling planet the Moon also enters your 5th house of creativity after the end of the month, on November 4th. Now would be a good time to explore further education and development of new skills.
Leo July 22-Aug. 22 Your ruling planet the Sun harmonizes with lucky Jupiter on the 15th. Try to avoid seeing life solely through rose-colored glasses during this alignment. Mental Mercury enters your 4th house of home and family on the 5th. When I walk along with two others, from at least one I will be able to learn.
Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Your ruling planet communicative Mercury teams up with Venus on the 16th. Your effervescence attracts much well-earned attention! On the 7th Venus enters your 4th house of home and family. You are especially adept at smoothing over any ruffled feathers during this influence.
Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 On the 19th your ruling planet Venus is in an unfavorable alignment with Uranus, suggesting the potential for unpredictability and rebelliousness in romantic relationships. The Sun enters your 2nd house of resources on the 22nd. What gives you contentment, your sense of security, and what you attach importance to are emphasized during this period.
Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 22 Venus enters your 2nd house of resources on the 7th. This is a time when you express the gentler and more sympathetic aspects of your personality in regards to obtaining finances and material possessions. On the 2nd gracious Venus is in an advantageous arrangement with your ruling planet Pluto, suggesting the potential for new romantic involvements.
Sagittarius Nov. 23-Dec. 21 On the 15th the Sun creates a harmonious configuration with your ruling planet Jupiter. Sociability and cheerfulness characterize this alignment. You are good-natured and your emotions are expansive. The sun enters your 12th house of solitude on the 22nd. Take rest, a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.
Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 20 Mars enters your 11th house of friendship on the 30th, offering possibilities of successful networking. On the 30th the Sun squares off with your ruling planet Saturn. If you’re burdened by too much responsibility don’t hesitate to enlist your friends to come to your aid. Try not to be overly critical of yourself.
Aquarius Jan. 21-Feb. 19 On the 30th assertive Mars enters your 10th house of career. You can acquire an enthusiastic audience for your work. Others are amazed with your ability to scale creative heights and come in under budget! On the 19th Venus is in a stressful configuration with your ruling planet Uranus. Looking for new points of view offers resolutions.
Pisces Feb. 20-March 20 The moon enters your 9th house of higher learning after the end of the month, on November 4th, potentially causing boredom or anxiety in regards to your ideas and principles. Making an effort to remedy this will be fulfilling. On the 16th Venus squares off with your ruling planet Neptune, offering an opportunity to pierce the veil of illusions in regards to romantic relationships.
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!