An intuitive reader perceives and “reads” the horoscope and makes interpretations of the many dimensions of the present as well as note the options for the future, keeping in mind one’s free-will decisions.

Let us search the skies for meaning.
As the astrologer notes the position of the transiting planets, it is always good to keep a few things in mind:

There are fascinating alignments in the skies every season and every year. Mundane, or political, and predictive astrologers usually pay more attention to the relatively rare configurations. There are some prognosticators who make grand statements about these celestial events, and it is important to sift the amazing declarations against the actual facts and events, as well as to ascertain the motivation of the soothsayer. 😉

When there are patterns, or close alignments in space and time; or if there are other events that point in the same direction, this would confirm the pattern and we are probably on to something. For instance, in the first few days of September, 2005, there was a visible alignment after sundown of Venus and Jupiter in the sign of the Scales, Libra. This could point towards works of art, exhibitions, publications of merit, important events in Law (Libra the scales, remember), and issues and lessons around relationships and diplomacy. On the same day of the exact alignment, Sep 2, slow moving and ponderous Pluto stationed and turned Direct (which means its apparent movement in the skies stopped regressing and moved forward in Sagittarius). This extra piece of cosmic information pointed towards a particular pattern that added a distinct twist to the otherwise benevolent alignment of Venus and Jupiter; The lord of the Underworld was tugging on the scales. Zeus/Jupiter, the sky god, got to turning, and Hurricane Katrina swept up to Louisiana and New Orleans. Floods, deprivations, deaths, and the dark side of humanity emerged in criminal behavior, opportunism, theft, rape and murder. It was near chaos – the scales of law and order were tipped and the weight of a hundred years of black/white tension, of poor/rich distinction, and of bad/good dichotomy were present for all to see. Charges of corruption, neglect and ineptitude were leveled at George Bush (Pluto hidden scandals brought to light with Venus justice). Miles away a Supreme Court Justice died – William Rehnquist: an egotistical man who would have voted against the Civil Rights laws if he were on the bench at the time. A man who put George Bush in the presidency. (Did he soon find himself before a greater court? One can speculate.)

What of the positive effects of Venus and Jupiter? There were many stories of heroes, generosity, charity, and good will. Donations came from around the world. Compassion and sympathy were cited around the globe. All in the stars? Note that different people responded in distinct ways to the same planetary configurations. All of these alignments and perspectives are easier to see after the fact, but the elements were all there to read at any time…. for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear.

To make more use of these celestial messages for you personally (and you Do want that, yes?), it is Very worthwhile to have a working knowledge of your horoscope, or at least to recognize the sensitive degrees in your birthchart. Free astrology calculations are to found online; and make use of your local astrologers, for heaven’s sake! For instance, the Solar eclipse on July 11, 2010, occurs at 19° Cn 24′ (19 degrees Cancer 24 minutes). To To make use of this event, find where 19 degrees Cancer is in your chart – note the House – and compare the sensitive degrees of 18, 19, 20 or 21 Anything/anywhere in your chart and you may find an aspect. Consider an aspect the line of communication between planets. On a solar eclipse, the Moon passes before the face of the Sun, bringing a shadow upon the Earth (in particular regions, of course). Symbolically, what might it mean if the warm Sun, or generous Spirit, is gone from your life for a time? The degree will point specifically towards a person, situation or area of life to observe this shadow or doubt or withdrawal. The House will describe the area of concern: home, health, friends, job, partner, etc.