Hip Hop’s Magnum Opus: The Birth Chart of Nas’ “Illmatic”

©2016 by Sagittarian Mind Consulting

How do you begin talking about a masterpiece? I mean… where do you start? First of all I make no apologies for stating my personal opinion that I think Nas’ Illmatic is one of the best (if not THE best) Hip-Hop albums ever created.

Many of us still want to know what the young, 19 year old upstart from Queensbridge was thinking during the making his debut album, which would go on to be critically acclaimed as a standard for Emcees everywhere.

With a heavy hitting “dream team” production from DJ Premier, Large Professor, Pete Rock, Q-TIP and LES, the red carpet was rolled out for Nas, and he delivered in such a colossal way that Illmatic will forever go on the list of albums that set a  blueprint for hip hop greatness.

There’s no question in my mind that Illmatic was needed in the universe right at the time it came out, and it embodied the qualities of that moment, as we’ll see by looking at its birth chart.

It’s apropos that the introduction to Illmatic is titled “The Genesis”, which is a powerful expression of its 29 degree Aries Sun.  This album signals a sense of “coming into being” and new beginnings,   especially for the New York hip-hop scene.

In addition, Aries at the 29 degree mark suggests the height of competition. There’s a glaring illumination of potential for a colossal impact in the world as reflected by its 10th house position near the top of the birth chart.

Illmatic’s Aries Sun suggests being ignited by the fuel of “champion” or warrior energy where aspirations are centered on winning and being the best. There’s no doubt that the cosmos confirms Illmatic being a pioneering album with aims toward being number one. Nas’ masterpiece was given a coveted “5 Mic” rating (suggesting a “perfect album”) from “The Source” Magazine, who at that time, held significant weight in the area of critical reviews of hip-hop recordings.

In the VH-1 documentary “Driven” MC Serch described Nas’ success with Illmatic as having “Hit 10 Home Runs.”

(photo: dj premier, q-tip, nas & large professor) source : complex magazine

When Mercury and Mars, which are also in Aries, are added to the equation, there’s a “push” factor which undeniably holds the potential to force others into competition and prompt them to apply their will at a heightened level of assertion.

In fact, there have been numerous interviews from DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Large Professor, Q-Tip and LES which discuss the level of competition amongst producers in the making of Illmatic. One could easily argue that this is the finest group of hip-hop producers assembled for one album.

With the Sun’s powerful developmental connections to both Uranus and Neptune, we’re witnessing an album whose originality and genius, borne out of rebellion takes center stage. Nas, in stating his feelings about the recording of Illmatic said that he had to tell a story which was “all his own” (Sun-Uranus). This vibe is coupled with a poetic, flowing self-expression which provides inspiration through vivid imagery and the symbolic painting of pictures (Sun-Neptune).

(photo : nas and a.z.) source: stopthebreaks.com

According to Peter Rosenberg of the radio station Hot 97 in New York, Nas was hailed a “Hip-Hop Messiah of mythological proportions.” (Sun-Neptune) upon the release of this album.

Illmatic’s Leo Moon reflects the light of the Aries Sun through a personality which is fulfilled through gaining notice, praise and validation from others.

There was a big buzz surrounding Illmatic, so it wasn’t just an album that came from out of the blue and snuck up on people. Nas also mentioned in an interview , sponsored by Google that he felt those hip-hop icons that had come before him, and had given so much to the art, HAD to like his album in order for him to feel complete. He wanted the likes of Kool G Rap, MC Shan, etc… those icons that he may just happen to run into at a local bodega in Queensbridge, to tell him “good job”. Nas also mentioned the fact that his career could’ve been over if his album didn’t receive the “co-sign” of those who were respected in hip-hop circles.

Also appropriate for the Astrological signature of Illmatic is its Cancer Ascendant. Nas’ childhood picture (Cancer), graces the covering (Ascendant) of the album, along with his roots and foundation, Queensbridge projects, in the backdrop. Also, within the fold of the liner notes, there’s a picture of his childhood friends as they sit on a park bench. Illmatic is filtered through the lens of nostalgia, with songs like “Memory Lane”, and it also invokes an emotional response as a focal part of its identity expression.

Finally, it’s Cancer rising speaks to a musical lineage, as Nas’ father, Olu Dara, a jazz musician joins him by lending his musical talents on the LES produced track “Life’s a Bitch”. Not only did this track highlight biological family, but also artistic family, as it gave birth to A.Z’s career, and he’s gone on to become a hip-hop heavyweight in his own right.

In the aforementioned VH-1 documentary “Driven”, Peter Rosenberg stated that the release of Illmatic put hip-hop in a position to be taken seriously as an art form, which it’s Pisces MC flanked by Saturn strongly suggests: Not only serious art on the world’s stage, but A standard bearer (Saturn) for music  from a universal standpoint (Pisces).

Looking at Illmatic’s 5th House, which outlines the domain in which both artistic and physical “children” are created, we see circumstances which surround birth, death and the underbelly and ills of life. The themes which pervaded this album weren’t always pretty, yet there were also benefits and artistic riches to be unearthed from tumultuous circumstances on the path to meeting Illmatic’s ultimate destiny (Jupiter, North Node and Pluto in Scorpio).

The death came before the making of Illmatic when Nas’ best friend, Willie Graham, better known as “Ill Will” was shot and killed. According to Nas’ brother, Jungle, in the VH-1 documentary, “Driven”, this occurred on May 23, 1992. This had a profound effect on Nas and would later serve as fuel for a powerful and transformative creativity which connected to his self-expression. The birth would occur on June 15, 1994, a couple of months after Illmatic’s official release date, and that would be his daughter Destiny.

Using whole sign houses, we can easily see that the 3rd/9th house MC/IC axis of Virgo and Pisces suggests that on all of Illmatic’s tracks although Nas is speaking with exactness and precision (Virgo) about his experiences in his immediate environment (3rd house), the cosmic design is to balance that so a much larger sphere of the world (9th house) can relate for Universal (Pisces) understanding.

With the Taurus/Scorpio nodal axis, Illmatic, as a work of art had to find a way to make money (Taurus), while projecting a deeper significance (Scorpio) for hip hop culture.  Although critically acclaimed, the album didn’t immediately catapult to the heights of platinum status as did may more commercially recognizable albums. Nas’ brother Jungle stated that Nas’ advance for Illmatic was a mere $17,000 at the time, so he was forced to, at that time to consider a balance between regenerating (Scorpio) hip-hop and material comforts (Taurus).  In many eyes, Illmatic (and Nas) wasn’t/weren’t receiving the return on investment which it deserved.

Fortunately for the hip-hop faithful, Illmatic is an album which is being discussed 20 + years from its release, and for Nas, it’s enabled him to integrate the works’ nodal axis on the strength of a brilliant display of artistry thereafter.

Representin’ is Illmatic.

Venus in Scorpio: “Removing the Mask”

As we explore the labyrinth that is Venus in Scorpio, we do so with the understanding that Venus can’t be reduced or limited exclusively to “love” in one’s birth chart. There are far more associations which accompany the planet. However, for the purpose of this particular article, one’s idea of love, as viewed through the Venus in Scorpio lens, will be emphasized.

For Venus in Scorpio, Love is depth. Love is emotional, psychic and physical nudity. Love is all of the cards on the table. Love is knowing each other as fully as possible. Love is secrets just between the two of you. Love is the exploration of taboos.

Love is about removing the mask.

For those who have Venus in Scorpio as a natal placement, you may feel misunderstood at large, because as a general population, we don’t value depth of interaction. Generally, we “eat up” most things sold to us without too much scrutiny.

Because the average individual isn’t into penetrating the veil of people and things (which is an attitude you despise), you tend to get an instant, and triggering label (which is trite to boot) slapped on you such as “crazy” or “psycho” without any investigation of  what your motivations or needs are in relationships.

For you, a large part of  interactions are centered around the wise and strategic expenditure of resources.  After all, your time and energy belong to you and aren’t to be played with or carelessly dispensed in several directions, thus weakening your passion and commitment. Your engagement with others is best expressed in FOCUS.

Often, a loathsome and unsettling feeling creeps in that keeps you on edge. It’s the one which says that there are very few people able to operate on the same level of intensity, and it could easily morph into self-induced damnation if one isn’t careful to check it at the door and find a suitable outlet for it to breathe.

There can be a reticence toward entering into serious partnership, not because one isn’t capable, but rather seeking surety that the other is absolutely committed to the raw intimacy that you crave.

For Venus in Scorpio folks, love is defined as the stripping down of defenses and pretenses. To accept what’s buried, no matter its condition, is something that you need in order to feel fulfilled. There needs to be the feeling that one is loving the REAL person, warts and all . Otherwise, it’s tepid and artificial.

The type of relationship dynamics which you seek are those which kill what’s detrimental to the flourishing of the union. This consists of the removal of all that isn’t infused with complete emotional honesty.

What needs to be remembered by Venus in Scorpio folks is: the type of bond that you seek isn’t a one way proposition. “All or nothing” doesn’t mean ALL from them and NOTHING from you. This isn’t a case where you ferret out your partner’s very thought and emotion like a detective, while simultaneously remaining a padlocked vault.

To use this placement effectively, you must summon the giving power of Venus, which means that you can choose to offer the vulnerability that you fiercely guard and protect as the ultimate gift to another human being. If it will help you, you can even make it a point to remind the other than most people don’t even get a look at that side of you.

For the fulfillment of your potential, this is a risk that must be taken at some juncture in your relationships. In accepting this instruction, please understand that it can’t and won’t be “nice and neat” like a 30 minute family sitcom where the loose ends are tied up before your dinner gets out of the oven. You may experience hurt feelings, betrayal, and emotions which surprise you and activate a heightened state of self-scrutiny.

However, if you’re willing to take such a leap, you give yourself the chance to offer and experience the transformative power of love. And, there’s nothing like betting on yourself.

Photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels

Jupiter In The 2nd House : “Throw It All Away”

“I got some money, Imma blow it all today. They say: Michael, don’t throw it all away. And, my reply is: there’s more on the way. When I said it I was walking in the rain.” – From “Throw It All Away” by Evidence

Most of us that have had some exposure to Astrological lore are aware of the planet Jupiter’s association with all things large, bountiful and abundant. Wherever we find this gaseous giant there’s likely to be an increase or amplification of some sort.

In our birth charts, the house where Jupiter is placed is the field of experience that we look to for our confidence in the dynamic of MORE. Here, we think : Bonus, overflow and “my cup runneth over”.

However, it pays to remember that there’s a fine line between being grateful for what we have and squandering or wasting it just because we anticipate that more is right around the corner. Jupiter, in its underdeveloped state suggests excess, pomposity, avarice, and undue self-righteousness.

Astrologically, our 2nd house is the domain of resources, possessions, material and movable goods, how we spend our money (and to some extent WHAT we spend it on), the worth we place on our existence, the use of our assets (talents) and our bank account.

If we abuse what we have here, we can easily throw it all away. If you have Jupiter placed in the 2nd house, it’s important to make the distinction between confidence and arrogance; between increase and inflation.

I brought the perfect illustration to you via Hip Hop artist Evidence in his track entitled : “Throw  It All Away”. Think of this as one of your theme songs if you have Jupiter placed in the 2nd house. Please meditate and enjoy. You can listen here:

 

Photo by Marlene Leppänen from Pexels

Gemini Sun, Gemini Moon : “One in the Same”

Ideally, your life is an intellectual whirlwind with multiple perspectives to explore and choose from. Variety of inquiry sustains you emotionally and also reflects your deepest aspirations. You feel most sane when you’re gathering information and adding to your mental database. One of the keys to remember concerning this combination is that FOCUS is your friend.

Sometimes when we explore ideas, we reach what we think is a dead-end. We find a question that we can’t answer, or run into difficult paradoxes where one thing seems to contradict another. The message to those with this blend is to THINK THROUGH IT and ALSO employ your INTUITION.

There’s a definite suggestion that your inclination could be to just hop to the next concept, issue, etc… only to discover the original one’s to resurface. You could easily run yourself in circles finding that you never really complete anything, and as a result, what you’re left with is a hodgepodge of disparate parts.

Rather than accepting the fate of mental fragmentation, understand that much of the meaning of life resides in whatever you assign to it. So, depending on any person, or institution to fuse what you’ve learned into larger concepts is futile.

Deciding what’s truly important to you and trusting insights which surface in your own heart is of utmost importance. You must not worry yourself it you haven’t yet been able to convert your findings into words yet.

An agile mind, unquenchable curiosity and knack for details are some of your strengths.

Learning is second nature, but can you gain a true perspective  which will advance your interests?

You’re already great at asking questions, so the cosmos is encouraging you to enlarge the scope of your inquiries to the level of universal significance.

Think of this process like college: just because you happen to pick a major doesn’t mean that you don’t integrate all of the other knowledge that you come into contact with.

If this journey is consciously undertaken, you”ll wake up to an entirely new world. If not, you may find yourself in the midst of information indigestion.

Your theme song is “One in the Same” by  Skyzoo and Apollo Brown featuring Patty Crash

You can listen to it here:

Photo by Derek Dolro from Pexels

Leo Sun, Scorpio Moon : “I Sparkle”

I’m going to be bold and blunt here.

In order to retrieve the “gold” of  self-hood, you’re going to have to dig deep.

This Sun-Moon blend suggests dynamic and developmental tension between self-expression and self-protection.

There’s a difference between creating an alternate route for the sake of emotional safety and erecting an impenetrable fortress of the heart because of fears associated with losing control.

Working with this dynamic combination of solar heat and emotional intensity will likely clue you in to the nuances which exist between those two extremes.

There’s a emphatic need to mine the subconscious to get to the root of all of your ugly “stuff” as a means of total self-acceptance. The road to discovering your personal identity may sometimes be paved with swirling, tumultuous feelings which you would rather keep out of public view.

If you don’t know what your true motivations are, it’s more difficult to arrive at your destination successfully, so there’s a suggestion inherent in this blend that you will turn over every rock, stone and pebble of your mind  to see what lies beneath. The master peeler of the layers of the psyche.

On some level, you’re also nourished through penetrating interactions with others which yield the same feelings of the fire in the belly. You know very intimately that you must have the knowledge of the heart to claim the throne.

The rabbit hole you travel may be ripe and rampant with what you wish to avoid, but meeting the challenges of navigating crisis assists you in gaining a shining picture of everything you can be.

“There’s gold in them thar hills !! ”

Your theme song is “I Sparkle by Slick Rick. You can listen here:

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North Node in the 2nd House: Know My Worth

Simply put, our North Node in our birth chart symbolizes a cosmically suggested life direction that’s likely to bring us the most growth and development. The sign of our North node would indicate a style or a strategy we could employ for maximum effectiveness, while the house position suggests the area of life experience that we most need to focus on in the overall scheme of things. As a result of the North Node’s position in the 2nd House, the South Node would naturally be located in its opposite house, the 8th. When the 2nd and 8th house come together, questions arise surrounding who’s the rightful “owner” of objects, resources, talents, feelings, attitudes and assessments.

In general, the South Node house indicates an area where we may be overly entrenched or entangled. While we may be proficient in dealing with the themes as indicated by that house, this doesn’t foster any new growth for us. It’s largely by reclamation and activation of the material surrounding the North Node house that true and lasting growth takes place. At best, we could say that the South node repurposed can support us in North Node ventures.

With the North Node in the 2nd House, it’s of utmost importance that you (1) “Own” and rely on your talents and (2) Become an authority on and become solidly rooted in your true worth. It’s apparent that your “price tag” needs to be calculated based on internal evaluation system as opposed to being placed in the hands of “others.” What’s important to you must now take center stage and what other people value, at best should be relegated to your periphery and perhaps even your rear view.

What comes into focus with the 2nd/8th nodal axis activated is a deeply resonate history of preoccupation with the thoughts and opinions of other people. The way forward for you is to shift that investment into yourself and the refining of your natural talents and abilities. The focus now needs to be on how you can use what you have to support yourself materially and become a tangible embodiment of that to which you aspire.

There’s more elaborate direction which says : don’t play yourself short”. The days of “nickeling and diming” have run their course. You are now moving into becoming your own authority on what you’re capable of producing and earning. And, most importantly: what you deserve. Your self-esteem need not be in the hands of anyone else and if you find circumstances shifting in this way, you’ll need to place the ball back into your court pronto.

If you have the North Node in the 2nd House, your theme song is “Know My Worth” by Supastition featuring Boog Brown. You can Listen here:

Photo by Anna Nekrashevich from Pexels

Venus in Libra : “All in Love is Fair”

For those with Venus placed in Libra natally, Love is sharing, cooperation and true partnership. Love is Beautiful. Love is the enjoyment of mutually stimulating activities. Love is “US”. Love is having everything in just the right place. Love is constant evaluation. Love is mutual grace. Love is peace.

Being interested is a way of life and this automatically leads the Venus in Libra native to be regarded as interesting to others. There’s a penchant for comparison with “the other half ” through viewpoints,counterpoints, weighing and evaluation.

In essence, the Venus in Libra person is discovering where they stand via human interaction. While some people like to socialize just for the hell of it, those with this placement are viewing the process of fraternizing more as a portal for SELF knowledge and awareness.

As I’ve said before : being born with a specific placement doesn’t automatically make you a certain way or cause you to exhibit specific behaviors. The “balance” that’s associated with the scales and Libra isn’t inherent. rather, this placement offers a lifetime course in equilibrium studies.

Where venusian themes are concerned, these folks have Libra as an “instructor”.Libra teaches that sometimes extremes are necessary to arrive at the point of balance. This applies both to living and the world of ideas.

This reminds me of an African proverb i once read which basically said when you bend a stick far enough in one direction, you have to bend it equally far in the other direction in order to make it straight again.

Venus in Libra folks are learning the practice of having to “pull on both ends” in their life in order to locate and maintain their center. so, they find themselves vacillating between frequent periods of socialization (in order to evaluate) and isolation (in order to process).

Both Taurus and Libra are Venus ruled signs and associated with the creation and maintenance of value, but with slightly different areas of focus. While Venus in Taurus is learning the art of creating & increasing value via partnerships, Venus in Libra is learning the importance of balancing the art of active participation in relationships with valuing oneself outside of the framework of the “other’s” evaluation.

A portion of the education for this placement rests in the understanding that it’s essential to be the one that emphatically and solidly places their “price tag” on themselves, in stark contrast to putting power in the hands of someone else to appraise their worth as a person.

If this isn’t done successfully, you’ll experience feelings of animosity that you’re only as “good” or “valuable” as what you can do for others. However, if the lesson is learned and internalized, you become a shining example of someone who shares themselves and  their resources ON THEIR OWN TERMS,  ONLY which are equitable to you.

Those with Venus in Libra are learning justice as it relates to themselves. With the inclination to forever explore what’s on “the other side of the tracks” as a display of non- judgment, they can easily disregard themselves in the process, negating the “fair shake” they most certainly need.

Speaking of “fair shakes”, fair & equal are the terms that i would use to describe the model of what those with this placement are seeking in their personal relationships. Although they realize all compromises aren’t of a 50/50 nature, the mutual trust & respect must be present.

It goes a long way in the development of the individuals with this placement to be able to learn to state their intellectual, emotional,  and sexual needs and desires unequivocally; to internalize the understanding that this is a form NOT of selfishness, but rather the VALUING of oneself.

If you have Venus placed in Libra in your chart, your theme song is “All in Love is Fair” by Stevie Wonder. You can listen here:

Photo by Junior Karrick DJIKOUNOU from Pexels

Venus in Taurus: “Value-Added Love”

For individuals with Venus placed in Taurus, Love is sensuality and comfort. Love is stability. There’s an art to love. Love is calm and serene. Love is steadfast. Love is creating something valuable with another human being and continuously adding to that value. Love is a return on investment over time.

When we speak of Venus in Taurus and creating value, we ask: in relationships, how is value measured? for people with this placement, it’s possible answers would be related to consistency and return on investment over time. Then again, we ask: what exactly is the return that you’re seeking?

Part of the mission of Venus in Taurus is to clearly articulate what relationships are worth to you and why. Ask yourself: what makes some more or less valuable than others? One of the takeaways from this mental exploration will be that not all relationships are created equal, nor should they be.

For Venus in Taurus natives, the concept of getting “richer” is to invest in people and things which are worthy of your cultivation. We define worthy as loyal to and appreciative of your efforts. There’s a no-nonsense orientation which can serve you as your guide in making these decisions.

Venus, being at home in Taurus , which suggests a potency of sorts, is particularly attuned to the theme of anything “joint” which includes joint investments. So, one of the keys to navigating this placement successfully is making constant and honest inquiries as to what one is receiving vs. what one is giving in relationships.

Input and output factors are huge. One must stop and think in the present moment if efforts are being reciprocated. Woe to those that assume, if the answer is “no” that this means to give or invest more in the other person.

Some of these possible investments include: time, money, sex, emotional labor, consideration, prioritization etc… the question becomes: are you receiving these back? and, to what degree? Also, have you to come to terms with your own worthiness and birthright TO receive these things?

Self-value is a theme for those w/ venus in taurus. the more you value yourself, the more you’re able to ask for what you need. this is the *REAL loyalty you’re seeking in relationships. not “ride or die”, but rather an acquired SELF-trust that instructs others how to treat you.

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Venus in Pisces : “The Fantasy”

As we explore the mystification that is Venus in Pisces, we do so with the understanding that Venus can’t be reduced or limited exclusively to “love” in one’s birth chart. There are far more associations which accompany the planet. However, for the purpose of this particular article, one’s idea of love, as viewed through the Venus in Pisces lens, will be emphasized.

For Venus in Pisces: love is boundless. Love is romantic. Love is imagination. Love is fantasy. Love is returning to the spiritual source. Love is not easily or clearly defined. Love is universal. Love is unconditional. Love is suffering. Love is sacrifice. Love is transcendence. Love is nirvana. Love is a sea of oceanic tranquility.

If you have this placement in your birth chart, the ways in which your societal existence has shaped your definition of what it means to love and be loved bears serious consideration. The question becomes:

“Who told me how I was supposed to feel when I was “in love”?

Venus in Pisces at its best suggests that love can be extended in a uniquely intimate way whose ingredients are unconditional acceptance, empathetic connection and captivating union. 

At it’s worst, self-deception via creating one’s version of reality despite concrete information (evidence) to the contrary and deletion of important details from one’s experience to avoid pain or discomfort can reign front and center.

This placement suggests that one can be fixated on ideals, and this lens contains its admixture of beauty and challenges.  Where Venus in Pisces is concerned, the Victim/Savior game can firmly plant its flag for as long as the hypnotic state of “love over everything” remains etched in one’s psyche.

An inclination to respond to the suffering of others without discrimination can easily lead to one’s own demise as one can only see the potential in another, rather than the infectious energy that’s contained in their state of peril. So while one thinks they’re “saving” someone else, they become so enveloped by the situation that their heart, and sometimes pocketbook is in dire straits when the smoke clears.

There’s a need to merge with a partner to feel a sense of ever-growing closeness. However, differences between individuals don’t have to be viewed as potential threats which will erode the cohesiveness of a relationship.

One of the key facets of the developmental potential of Venus in Pisces is gaining the ability to see oneself and ones partners (intimate or business) clearly.  Issues surface when there’s an insistence on thinking that always seeing someone at their best is a higher form of love than acceptance of human frailty and imperfection.

In addition, One of the challenges of the Venus in Pisces individual can not only be to assuage the disappointment when a loved one reveals themselves as a mere mortal, but to also confront a lack of compassion toward oneself , because of the sheer intensity of  effort that one has displayed in trying to live up to an unrealistic ideal of being the perfect partner, or “on” under all circumstances.

We now return to the question: “Who told me how I was supposed to feel when I was “in love”?

With Venus in Pisces, one can be particularly sensitive and impressionable toward subliminal messages of what love is supposed to be about. Music, movies, advertisements and a host of other outlets can have significant influence.

In its constructive sense, this provides a host of imaginative and creative outlets to build upon an ever expanding mosaic of human feeling. In it’s maladaptive state, these messages are swallowed up with no filter whatsoever and the conclusion is reached that if you don’t have butterflies in your stomach, can’t eat and sleep without another person and aren’t thinking about them 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, it must not be love.

Concerning the concept and feeling of interconnectedness that’s suggested by Venus in  Pisces, there can be the misconception that everyone shares the same ideals where love and relationships are concerned.

One of the larger lessons here is: establishing reasonable limits and boundaries between partners in no way takes away from the “magic” of a relationship. When it comes to the significant dimensions of relationships, solid definitions  can actually ENHANCE the enchanting dynamic that you’re seeking to keep alive.

For those with Venus placed in Pisces, your theme song is the remix of “Fantasy” by Mariah Carey featuring O.D.B. you can listen here:

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Developmental Lessons for Virgo: “Correct Techniques”

” A man would do nothing if he waited until he could do it so well that no one could find fault.” – John Henry Newman

When the Sun’s passage through Leo is officially over, and the warmth and radiation of the limelight gives way to Virgo’s claim, We immerse ourselves in the harvest.

Like the energy which surrounds the Virgin, this time is ripe with certainty, but minimal fanfare. Virgo presents an offering of humility in order to balance the elements of the ego, which are ever-present in the previous sign, Leo. On a collective level, the process of order and refinement of the personality is necessary.

The Symbolism

Let’s deal with first things first.

We must address the notion that the Virgin, which symbolizes Virgo, is some holy rolling, chaste, anal-retentive prude who scoffs at rings on their glass tables because of no coasters. Somehow, astrological writing has regressed to lower Virgo down to a habitual dust buster and lint picker of the celestial variety.

When something is in its virgin state, it’s pure and natural. It hasn’t been tampered with. It’s unexplored, uncultivated, in its raw form.  This can certainly apply to sexual intercourse, but our beings encompass such a vast variety of possibilities than just this one act.

Virginity ultimately symbolizes someone or something seeking to happen to the world for the first time.

So many choices and options minus the infiltration from society. A tabula rasa seeking experience.

Some of you reading this passage are 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 years old.

This in no way means that you cannot continuously keep happening to the universe. Whatever you are doing, every time has the potential to be as if it’s your first.

Whether it’s physical, spiritual, emotional or psychological, your virginity is something that you can perpetually renew and reclaim.

The Virgo Curriculum

A significant part of Virgo’s life purpose is that of using one’s powers of discrimination to separate the true from the false and promote overall health of body, mind and spirit via the process of analysis.

The ultimate goal is more efficient functioning in whatever area you decide to employ your powers.

This process starts within and lasts a lifetime.

The advanced portion of the Virgo curriculum consists of refining and perfecting parts of themselves which they can ultimately offer up as gifts and service on an individual and a collective level. 

How well Virgo is able to perform this task is directly related to how highly their faculties of intellectual separation are activated in order to discern the beneficial from the detrimental.

The Virgo Toolbox

When viewing the whole and dissecting the parts via the intellect, Virgo has no equal. They may be rivaled by Scorpio in their ability to analyze with a fine tooth comb, but we’re talking about two different methods here. While Scorpio applies their instinctual, gut level knowledge, Virgo primarily relies on its mental faculties and acute powers of observation leaving no stone unturned.

The potential to develop an orderly mind and life is certainly available to the Virgin if they’re willing to put in the work to realize and harness these powers.

In addition, Virgo potential lies in have the uncanny ability to assess a situation, serving as a cosmic “efficiency expert” and immediately making it better. To natives of this Sun sign (and other personal planets) to serve is not demeaning, rather it’s the highest form of ingenuity bestowed upon the individual or group of their choices. More than anything, Virgo wants to be useful.

The Virgo Trash Can

What can Virgo afford to throw away?

over analysis and the tendency to “fix” others.

The maxim: “over analysis leads to paralysis” must have been coined for Virgo. Every gift is a curse in equal proportion, as the keen talent for critical thinking, when unchecked, can prove to be enormously stultifying to their ability to take action. 

One of the most important evolutionary lessons for Virgo is: conditions are what you make them. There is no such thing as a perfect time to do anything.

In regard to the low-end Virgo tendency to try to fix others, the virgin must be clear on what they mean by the statement: “he/she has potential.”

An appropriate question may be: does this “potential” consist of becoming a higher quality and more integrated version of what they already are? Or, a carefully calculated hodge-podge of assigned traits which will enhance my selfish motives? Thereby leading to a counterfeit psychological satisfaction.

For a more elaborate illustration I suggest viewing the film “The Shape of Things” starring Paul Rudd and Rachel Weisz.

A Brief Word on Virgo’s and Relationships

When Virgo energy is operating at its highest in the sphere of intimate relationships, there’s unlimited potential.  Loyalty, practical gestures of kindness, and unwavering support are commonplace themes.

The need to somehow pick the other person apart and build another version to suit each other’s liking is severely minimized. The individuals involved have devised a system which fosters the pursuit of collective excellence rather than a pie in the sky, illusory perfection.

What concerns them most is that they’re “perfect” for each other. They have learned the art of successful navigation, accepting their own shortcomings, while allowing their partner the space to find a healthy spot to let their imperfections breathe.

I will leave you with a quote by an unknown author which I hope serves you well:

“No one is perfect. That’s why pencils have erasers.”