Charlene Lichtenstein

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The Starry Eye Astrologer
Hosted by Charlene Lichtenstein
Special to washingtonpost.com
Monday, Nov. 19, 2001; 6 p.m. EST

What's your sign? Do you want to know what the planets and heavenly bodies have aligned this year -- in your career, in romance or surprises in your daily life? Tonight at 6 p.m. EST, "Madame" Lichtenstein, took your questions on sun signs, lunar influences and all things in the stars.

Lichtenstein's skills run in the family. Her great aunt, Etta Weimar, was the famous Romanian card reader to both kings and queens. A native of New York City, Lichtenstein was educated in Europe where she pursued the study of tarot and astrology. She returned to New York in 1974 and has lived in Greenwich Village ever since, dispensing advice whether requested or not.

Lichtenstein's monthly and weekly astrology columns are carried in newspapers across the country. When not writing or working on her Web site, AccessNewAge.com/zscope, Lichtenstein offers private consultation. She is a member of the National Council of Geocosmic Research and often lectures on both astrology and tarot.

Wondering how Mercury in retrograde affects your day-to-day life? What eclipses means for you and your loved ones? How to get in touch with your rising sign?

Below is a transcript.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

Charlene Lichtenstein: Welcome to Starry Eye Astrology. I’m Charlene Lichtenstein, the washingtonpost.com celestial seer, ready to answer your questions and engage everyone in a no holds barred discussion about astrology and the new age. Check out November’s horoscope on www.AccessNewAge.com/zscope as well as articles on eclipses, void of course moons and Saturn Returns.

Starbite of the week:
This week, I am pleased to announce that I now write special weekly horoscopes for the Womens Entertainment television website- www.WEwomensentertainment.com . These columns also appear on their virtual network. Please check them out and let me know what you think.

And now, what do you have to say? Please remember to include your birthdate time and place for all astrological readings.

Washington, D.C.: Hi Charlene,

I'm writing to ask about a relocation chart that you were going to run after last week's chat. Just to remind you, I'm the one who will be relocating with my husband after his medical residency -- we wanted to know, in particular, about Spokane, Wash. My birth information is 2/19/73 at 9:03 am in Tulsa, Okla. His birth information is 7/19/68 at 2:29 am in Mountain View, Calif.

Thank you so much for your insights!

Charlene Lichtenstein: Thank you for your patience.

I ran your husbands chart for the relocation analysis because it is his job that is causing the relocation. I compared the chart for Spokane with his birthchart and here is what I see:

The same signs are on the major points of the chart, (ascendant, decendant and midheaven) for the relocation and birth charts. That is, both charts have Gemini rising, Sag on the 7th house and Aquarius on the top of the chart. This mens to me that generally speaking, his feelings and reactions to like in Spokane will be similar to his birthplace. The face he gives to the world, how he interacts with the public and his relationships will be familiar.

The differences in the chart suggest that Spokane will be an excellent place for your husband and his career. In the relocation chart, mercury is sitting in the first house of new beginnings (instead of 2nd house in birth chart). New ideas, new people, a range of possibilities.

Also, the sun sits in the 2nd house in Spokane, indicating a shift in values, money and prestige. (3rd house in his birth chart - communication and learning).

Finally, taurus is on the cusp of his 12th house in SPokane indicating less recklessness (Aries on the 12th in his birht chart) and more steady application especially in the areas where he is most vulnerable. Also - Scorpio on the 6th house of work (rather than natal's Libra) show a sharp, strategic application at work. No fooling round! Very serious and successful.

So I would say that Spokane looks good! Hope that helps!

Washington, D.C.: Please tell me what sign I am. I was born 5/21/58 at 1:15 a.m. Also, how does my future look as far as career, finance and owning my own home?

Thank you.

Charlene Lichtenstein: Well according to my ephemeris, you are in the very last degree of Taurus for your sun sign. You also have mercury in taurus, venus in aries, mars in pisces and possibly Pisces rising which places Sag on the cusp of your 10th house of career.

Generally speaking, you are a careful steadfast thinker and communicator. In love, you see who you want and go go go for the conquest (aries make great generals!). You are fiery in love and very open about your feelings. You are an emotional fighter and can be rather intuitive in how you go and get what you want.

With Sag on your 10th house, I think that your career path will undergo great change and transformations. What you start out to do may change dramatically.

In December there are loads of planets transiting your 10th house bringing new opportunities (the sun) new ideas and people (mercury) and some kind thoughts and actions (venus).

Mars is moving into your 1st house on Dec 9 indicating new opportunities to meet new people and launch new ideas. Energy is high so make good use of time.

It may be hard to put down roots as long as Saturn retrogrades in your 4th hosue through early 2002. Be patient and learn what you can about where you want to live. Then things will fall into place.

Brooklyn, N.Y.: This is my absolute favorite site. You are so insightful, warm and kind. I need your help desperately. I am MISERABLE at my job. The work is deadly dull, unchallenging. And I have NO interest whatever in the BORING field I'm currently in. I've very little in common with my co-workers. I just took the job to get my foot in the door as it is very, very difficult to get a job with this type of employer. What field should I pursue jobwise? What type of job position would you recommend? Birthday: 6/19/49, Bronx, N.Y., 10:30 p.m.. Also when would I be most successful in landing a job. My instinct is telling me early 2002. Any help you can give me will be VERY appreciated! Thanks so much!

Charlene Lichtenstein: Well let's see,

You have sun in gemini, moon in aries, mercury in gemini, venus in cancer and mars in gemini. Lots of gemini in your chart - and Saturn, the planet of restrictions and stress, is currently transiting (and retrograding) in gemini so no wonder you feel in a stressful rut!

You may possibly have aquarius rising which places scorpio on the cusp of your 10th house of career and cancer on your 6th of the day to day job. Scorpio on the top of your chart indicates that you need a job that is mentally stimulating and gives you challenges and mysteries to unravel. Detective work, scientic research, strategic planning, political advisor etc. What do you do now?

Also, with all that natal gemini, you need mental stimuation from the people around you. You love to socialize and interact with others.

Your instincts are right - Saturn in gemini goes direct in Feb 2002 and only then will you begin to feel like all your lessons are beginning to pay off. The secret now is to begin to plant the seeds for the future and don't be discouraged by the roadblocks. Learn all you can so you can apply it effectively in early 2002.

Please let me know how it goes!

San Francisco, Calif.: I'm about to move in with my boyfriend, with expectations on both sides that we'll marry within the year. I'm divorced and had been gun-shy about remarriage, but I've slowly been won over by this wonderful guy. I wondered what the stars had in store for us.

I'm a Cancer, born 7-10-70 in Los Angeles at 4:37 p.m. He's a Virgo, born 9-15-71 in Seattle, not sure of the time.

Thank you.

Charlene Lichtenstein: Well when I saw your birth years I had to breathe a sigh of relief - you are both out of your Saturn Returns (ages 27-30; a three year period of change and stress) Usually things that start during the return do not tend to last because we are still growing and exploring ourselves.

So you have sun in cancer, venus (love) in leo and possibly Sag rising which places gemini on your 7th house of relationships.

He has sun in virgo, moon (emotions) in leo and venus in virgo which meshes nicely on certain levels. His sun is well aspected to your sun so generally you two have a bit in common. His moon is conjunct your venus so he can understand your exhuberance in love and your need to give generously and receive back in attention.

His venus may be stressed sometimes by your venus but this can be overcome. He is careful, loyal and practical in love. You are proud and expansive in love. You may knock him out of his socks, but he will like it after the initial shock.

He will be there for you through thick and thin and would do anything for you. Be sure that you remember to do the same for him!

Best wishes for years of happiness!

Southbury, Conn.: I am an orthodox Hindu from India. As you may be aware, India's contribution to the field of astrology is tremendous. Seeking answers in atrology and horoscopes is quite a common thing for Hindus. This does not mean that, we blindly admit to whatever the money minded astrologers say. I think, it is just the human tendency to acknowledge and respond in a positive way, when someone tells anything that will be perceived as good. Anyway, my question is not about my personal belief in astrology or horoscope. As an ordinary man, sometimes I believe, sometimes I don't, mainly because of the knowledge of the astrologers. That aside, this question is about the frequent discussions (and debates) that we tend have in our friends circle, whenever the topic of Horoscopes come up.

Now that the science is so advanced, in that doctors can fertilize a human embryo at any specific time and can bring the new life to earth at any desired time using surgery, what is your opinion of cosmic influence in such cases? Say, for example, if a to-be mom is expected to deliver her baby at 11:00 hrs., and if the planetary positions are believed to be favorable for 09:00 hrs., doctors can simply do a c-section and bring the baby out (though we cannot be 100% sure, if it will breathe). One of my friend's argument is that, if this kind of "tampering" is possible, how can one believe in the horoscopes? We, the humans (may not be in all cases) are capable of altering the planetary influence on a baby when it is being born. Horoscopes, which in most cases go by the time of birth in addition to place of birth, have thus become manipulative. What is your opinion on this topic?

Charlene Lichtenstein: Thank you for a very interesting question.

Vedic astrology is fascinating and while I am still learning about it, I hope to apply myself to learning it in 2002 (my new years resolution!).

Well this is a very top of mind response because of the time restrictions of the show, however, I believe that we are handed a natal chart at birth, whether that chart is the result of a c-secion, a pre-determined time or naturally randomized. Just because you have a certain chart doesn't mean that your fate is pre-ordained. Some people who have excellent charts turn out to let life slide along and never realize their true potential because things come too easily.

So I beieive it is what we do with our charts, rather than what charts are given to us at birth, that make all the difference in our lives. And let's also take into account genetics and environment which also help shape us.

Western astrology indicates that astrology is not fate - we are the masters of our future. What we can use astrology for is planning and guidance. Where are the bumps in the road to avoid? Where are our strengths that we can capitalize on? We have to take control and use our birth chart as a guidemap.

Does this answer your question?

Washington, D.C.: Hi Charlene,

My name is Michael and I was born in Lewes, Del. on 11/12/78 at 12:03 p.m.

I often wondered what was meant by the statement that scorpios often experience a rebirth of sorts. Well, in the past two years, I found out. I just developed this insight and awareness that seemed to free me. Little by little, I transformed into the person I wanted to be and not the product of my insecurities or experiences.

Having that said, I use to crave and long for a relationship. Hind sight, someone to make me feel good about myself.

I have enjoyed spending time with myself so much this past couple of years and almost have to convince myself I should date, etc., and reach out for that kind of experience. I guess it is just a little strange and I hope I am not diminishing the importance of an intimate relationship. I have heard of scorps that go for decades with no companions. I just think that you might miss out on some opportunities to evolve and grow if you do that but the thought actually doesn't sound too bad to me. In fact, I kind of feel as though I may be that way --- I visualize the future and don't really think of being with someone anymore and it only makes me uncomfortable because I am comfortable with the idea.

Anyway, I just wanted to ask what you see in the romance department for me. My strongest feelings lately have revolved around my contribution with regards to work and my excitement comes from feeling like I am tapping into this flood of ideas and gifts I have that I can share. Maybe that is just more important for me now. I have never been quite sure how to distribute my energy -- I vest in something and it is all or nothing.

Thanks so much.

Charlene Lichtenstein: Well let's see - you have sun in scorpio, moon in aries and venus in scoprio. Possibly aquarius rising which places leo on the cusp of your 7th house and gemini on the cusp of your 5th house of romance.

Saturn, the planet of restriction and difficulties is currently sitting in yourhosueof romance which can certainly put a damper on your romantic urges. I suspect as Saturn redirects in Feb 2002 you may experience this rebirth of interest in things fun and romantic.

With venusin scorpio, you take love very seriously. You need to learn to trust (I know - I have venus in scorp too) and you can be very passionate and jealous.

I don't think that it is a rule that scorps tend to be loners. IN fact quite the oppositie. I see them as loving too deeply and passionately so that they are always seeking the perfect and trusting relationship. However, with that dampening influence of transiting Saturn, no wonder you are taking a breather. Yet, as with all planets, this too shall pass. Just wait until February!

Bethesda, Md.: I am turning 27 next year ... 4/19/75, does that make me in my "saturn returns"? I am feeling under a lot of stress. Could you explain the Saturn Returns please?

Charlene Lichtenstein: Well you may be starting to feel the effects. The Saturn Return is a three year period of stress and frustration. We want change NOW but either that change doesn't come or if it does, it is disappointing. Things begun during the return do not tend to last because we are changing and as we turn 30 we may realize that this is not what we wanted after all. Yet we yearn for things and people and keep scratching our way to age 30. Nice eh?

Read more about the Return at www.AccessNewAge.com/zscope

Bethesda, Md.: Hello Madame,

I was born 4/19/1975 11:50 p.m., in Chicago ... Was wondering if I would be a Aries or Taurus. Do you see anything happening in my love life or my living situation, both are in turmoil.

Thank you!

Charlene Lichtenstein: It looks to me and my ephemeris that you are definitely an Aries sun sign. You also have mercury in aries, venus in gemini and mars in pisces.

You are a strong personality with a firecracker mind. You are fearless and perservering. In love you are friendly rather than passionate and love connecting to someone's mind. You can be an emotional fighter and can be quite intuitive in how you strategize your attack.

Possibly capricorn rising which places cancer on the cusp of your 7th house of relationships. You are very sensitive in relationships. You should seek someone who can mother you, who feeds and takes care of you. SOmeone who makes you feel secure (and you have to make them feel secure too!).

Jupiter, the planet of luck, is retrograding through your 7th house now indicating delays in relationships and huge gaffes in dealing with partners. But this will pass - Jupiter redirects in MArch 2002 and then your luck in love will blossum! Pace yourself until then.

Newark, N.J.: I was born on 18th October 1975 at 12:45 p.m. and would greatly appreciate if you could let me know about my career and how would my New Year be, i.e., 2002.

Lately I have been in deep mess. Kindly let me know when I will free from all sorts of worries.

Thanks

Charlene Lichtenstein: Okay, you have sun in libra, mercury in libra, venus in virgo and mars in cancer. Possibly capricorn rising which places libra on the top of your chart in the career sector.

Generally you are sociable and breezy, perhaps attracted to the arts or beautiful people. Yoou need a career that gives you the opportunity to interact with many exciting and lovely people. You love a social swirl and creativity and balance in your career and in general.

You can react emotionally which throws people off - the mars in cancer is so different from all that libra in your chart. Take note of those overreactions.

Mars is currentlyin aquarius and is making an excellent aspect to the top of your chart. You have three weeks to make some impact in your career goals. Then, perhaps a breakthrough in March 2002 as Saturn in your house of work, redirects and micely aspects the top of your chart. Lessons pay off at that time and you can go farther than you thought possible. But you have to make your own success.

New Orleans, La.: Hi Madame! I really enjoy your chats and the advice you give out to everyone. Can you tell me if I will have luck finding a new job soon? My DOB is 5/30/59 4:55 a.m. in New Orleans. Thanks.

Charlene Lichtenstein: Well, let's see, you have sun in gemini, moon in pisces, mercury in gemini, venus and mars in cancer. Possibly taurus rising which places aquarius on the cusp of your 10th house of career.

Mars is currentlyin your professional sector - lots of energy here so do what you need to do to make inroads. With all that gemini in your chart, you may be feeling stymied by retrograding Saturn (the planet of problems and restrictions). Saturn redirects in March opening up new opportunities especially in financial areas. This will nicely impact career prospects. But saturn rewards for hard work so you ahve to make the effort - it will not come to you.

Even if it seems frustrating, keep on plugging. Saturn will reward you down the road and you will be happy that your struggles will have paid off.

Alexandria, Va.: Madame, Love this chat! My birthdate is 5/19/50, around 12:20 p.m., Michigan. I have to travel this Sunday, Nov. 25 -- do you see anything worrisome?

Charlene Lichtenstein: What time are you travelling? WHen the moon is void of course you may have some delays (nothing drastic). The moon in void on the 25th from 5:30a to 10:22a GMT (so subtract 5 hours or so for Washington DC time).

Write me again next week and I will look at all your planets for a personality profile!

Fredericksburg, VA: Hi Madame. I enjoy your show each week. My date of birth is June 18, 1970 at 11:23am in Cheverly, Maryland. I had asked a couple of weeks ago if this was a good time for me move into a new house, you said no and that you would run a more detailed report as to why now is not a good time. Are you able to help me out with this? By the way, my husband's birthday is Nov. 23, 1964 at 1:30am in Alexandria, VA in case you need to know. Thanks!

Charlene Lichtenstein: I just saw your question in the queue and we have run out of time - I will answer you next show! Please get your quesion in early and please remind me!

Charlene Lichtenstein: Whew! We have run out of time - it goes by so quickly! Thank you all for your great questions. We have so many still left to answer. Please try again next week and thank you for your patience.

So please join me here next week - Monday Nov 26 at 6p - for the next Starry Eye Astrology show.

Until then, happy stargazing!

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